Staging Your Home for the Summer Months

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i951.photobucket.com/albums/ad351/2painters/vintageposterCA-CustomVintageSigns.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://i951.photobucket.com/albums/ad351/2painters/vintageposterCA-CustomVintageSigns.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>When people purchase a home they buy a vision of their future. And most people's vision of summer is a happy one. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">  </span><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Now that summertime is here, it's the time to double-check your homestaging. Does it capitalize on the happy vibes of the season?</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I've collected a series of photos that I think captures the spirit of summer, one of the busiest home-buying times of the year.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I hope you'll take inspiration and ideas from these images, and make the most of summer staging so you'll land a purchase offer you love!</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Summertime staging can incorporate a little whimsy without looking goofy. Try some humorous or nostalgic touches in small spaces or outdoors. How about some silly sayings on your guest bath towels? Or vintage beach scenes framed in the hallway? Maybe some  whirligigs outside a colorful garden shed? <br /><br />A <a href="http://diyhomestagingtips.blogspot.com/2012/04/need-some-curb-appeal-dress-up-your.html#.U54ND9gU-M8" target="_blank">summer wreath of fabric,</a> shells, or bright summer flowers on the front door welcomes people touring your home. Pots of blooming plants near your entrance are a must if you're working on boosting your curb appeal. You can <a href="http://diyhomestagingtips.blogspot.com/2012/05/sell-your-home-and-then-move-your.html" target="_blank">take potted plants with you when you move</a>, so splurge on pretty containers and interesting plants.  <br /><br /><div class="MsoNormal">Look for props that spell summer fun, especially if you live near a summer destination like a pool, lake or beach. Incorporate fun things like picnic baskets, sand pails and flip flops, seaside relics like coral, rope and shells, or souvenirs like framed art from a vacation destination.</div><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/outdoorseatsfinegardening.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="394" src="http://i951.photobucket.com/albums/ad351/2painters/outdoorseatsfinegardening.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: small;">Every outdoor space needs seating, and it doesn't have to be pricey or trendy. Find a shady corner to stage   a relaxing setting. Photo: Fine Gardening.  </span></i></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></i></td></tr></tbody></table><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/backyard-dining-Sunsetmag.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://i951.photobucket.com/albums/ad351/2painters/backyard-dining-Sunsetmag.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: small;">Turning a <a href="http://diyhomestagingtips.blogspot.com/2013/05/best-tips-for-staging-your-porch.html" target="_blank">porch</a> into an outdoor eating and entertaining area is like adding a room. Photo: Sunset.</span></i></td></tr></tbody></table>  <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/firepitHGTV.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://i951.photobucket.com/albums/ad351/2painters/firepitHGTV.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>A backyard fire pit is a plus, and <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mBzHX5Sf1fk" target="_blank">a simple fire ring</a> is a do-able DIY project. Photo: HGTV.</i></span></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: small;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>  </i></span></div><span style="font-size: small;"><i>  </i></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><img height="96" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/proxy/AVvXsEiJmPrXGgCOwP6YUgHxe-9pKhWBmifDyjTpf0jNMbb5GqOOdrRUgTLv6BepOwNQaqG9OJB-Kh152PIggGtBumeZYCk8A9cHphZ8PNBAhyQEsSQTicPa2PFFRqz1V28ixU7JxYzMd2PfF5GxhDMY9AVap6WXbVG-TDO25FYsZcpV1avNfcId6LPmX9KBCsM=" style="left: 184px; opacity: 0.3; position: absolute; top: 2568px;" width="72" /></div><div align="left" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="MsoNormal"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i951.photobucket.com/albums/ad351/2painters/P1090730.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="443" src="http://i951.photobucket.com/albums/ad351/2painters/P1090730.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>Summer months are gardening time, and everyone wants homegrown tomatoes. Add some pots to the yard, balcony, deck or patio that remind buyers of summer meals. </i></span></td></tr></tbody></table></div><div align="left" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="MsoNormal"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; 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/collectionofprintsHGTV.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://i951.photobucket.com/albums/ad351/2painters/collectionofprintsHGTV.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: small;">Indoors, collections can remind buyers of the local sights and pleasures. Photo: HGTV</span></i></td></tr></tbody></table></div><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/rockfireplaceBHG.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://i951.photobucket.com/albums/ad351/2painters/rockfireplaceBHG.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: small;">Seasonal color schemes focus on cool pastels or crisp blues and white. Photo: BHG</span></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="MsoNormal"><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/slipcoversloftandcottageblogspot.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://i951.photobucket.com/albums/ad351/2painters/slipcoversloftandcottageblogspot.jpg" width="556" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div align="center"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>White slipcovers and summer are a tight twosome. Easy-care furnishings will give your home a casual. lived-in feeling that is attractive to all home buyers.</i> <i><a href="http://loftandcottage.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Loft and Cottage BlogSpot.</a></i></span></div></td></tr></tbody></table></div><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/driftwoodmirrorcompletelycoastal.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://i951.photobucket.com/albums/ad351/2painters/driftwoodmirrorcompletelycoastal.jpg" width="504" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>Even if your home is nowhere near the coast, driftwood and other natural elements add that touch of nature that is part of summer's lifestyle. Photo via <a href="http://www.completely-coastal.com/" target="_blank">Completely Coastal</a>.</i></span><br /><div align="left">   </div></td></tr></tbody></table><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/ShippaintingsHouseBeautiful-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://i951.photobucket.com/albums/ad351/2painters/ShippaintingsHouseBeautiful-1.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: small;">Nautical, beachy or tropical artwork</span></i> <i><span style="font-size: small;">is perfect for summer staging. Photo: House Beautiful. </span></i></td></tr></tbody></table><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/keywestarttropicalcoastalliving-1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://i951.photobucket.com/albums/ad351/2painters/keywestarttropicalcoastalliving-1.png" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: small;">A master bedroom can suggest an exotic retreat or vacation spot. Photo:</span></i> <span style="font-size: small;"><i>Coastal Living</i></span></td></tr></tbody></table><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/vanessafrancisdesigndiningrm-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://i951.photobucket.com/albums/ad351/2painters/vanessafrancisdesigndiningrm-1.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: small;">Even formal settings benefit in summer from some laid back furnishings like sisal rugs and painted furniture.</span></i> <i><span style="font-size: small;">Photo: Vanessa Francis Design, K West Images</span></i> </td></tr></tbody></table><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/mantelcentsgirl.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="527" src="http://i951.photobucket.com/albums/ad351/2painters/mantelcentsgirl.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: small;">A fireplace mantel can reflect the mood of summer even though the <a href="http://diyhomestagingtips.blogspot.com/2012/07/how-to-stage-fireplace-when-its.html#.U54I7dgU-M8" target="_blank">fireplace is "closed for the season."</a> Photo: Centsational  Girl.</span></i><br /><i><span style="font-size: small;"></span></i><br /><div align="left"><span style="font-size: small;">I hope you'll find small and not-so-small ways to showcase the joys of summer for househunters. No matter where you live or what size, style or age your home is, there's always opportunities to "summarize" it. Doing so will help buyers imagine their summer cookouts, staycations, and celebrations at your house once they've bought it!</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: small;">If you are staging your own home (or someone elses!) my <a href="http://diyhomestagingtips.blogspot.com/p/ebooks.html" target="_blank">$5 homestaging eBooks</a> make it easy. I've been there, and I share all my tips for making a house the one buyers want.    </span></div></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Top Photo: <a href="http://www.custom-vintage-signs.com/" target="_blank">Custom Vintage Signs</a></div><br /><!-- Blogger automated replacement: "https://images-blogger-opensocial.googleusercontent.com/gadgets/proxy?url=http%3A%2F%2Fi951.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fad351%2F2painters%2FcollectionofprintsHGTV.jpg&container=blogger&gadget=a&rewriteMime=image%2F*" with "https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/proxy/AVvXsEiJmPrXGgCOwP6YUgHxe-9pKhWBmifDyjTpf0jNMbb5GqOOdrRUgTLv6BepOwNQaqG9OJB-Kh152PIggGtBumeZYCk8A9cHphZ8PNBAhyQEsSQTicPa2PFFRqz1V28ixU7JxYzMd2PfF5GxhDMY9AVap6WXbVG-TDO25FYsZcpV1avNfcId6LPmX9KBCsM=" -->

Staging Your Home for the Summer Months

When people purchase a home they buy a vision of their future. And most people's vision of summer is a happy one.   Now that summertime...

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Five Rules for Staging a Mantel

<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-P1060626_zps016275b3.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-P1060626_zps016275b3.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: small;">It's that time of year when a fireplace mantel<br />needs an autumnal dress-up. What's yours wearing?<br />Make it easy to do by following my rules.  </span></i></td></tr></tbody></table><br />I am going to call them rules, even though we hear so much about follow your heart and break the rules when it comes to decorating.<br /><br />Unlike home decorating, home staging goes by a set of rules.<br /><br />Some people struggle with arranging vignettes like seasonal mantel displays and table vignettes. If that's you, this post's for you.<br /><br /><b><span style="font-size: large;">Rule 1. Start Big</span></b><br /><br />Just like the <a href="http://diyhomestagingtips.blogspot.com/2012/11/seven-steps-to-gorgeous-fireplace-mantel.html" target="_blank">Christmas mantel</a> I blogged about last year, having one large item gets you off to a great start.<br /><br />My favorite big starter is a piece of art, or even an <a href="http://diyhomestagingtips.blogspot.com/2012/03/tips-for-dressing-your-mantel-in.html" target="_blank">empty frame or two.</a><br /><br />Center the big thing or else place it off-center. Once you get more accessories on the mantel, you'll probably be re-arranging it to experiment and fine tune. <br /><br />Other initial decor pieces that work well when staging a mantel are a good-sized mirror, a large platter, or a jumbo wreath. I've also used a sculpture, wall hangings, ships models, and floral arrangements. Use what you have. <br /><br /><b><span style="font-size: large;">Rule 2. Find a Wreath </span></b><br /><br />Wreaths are home stagers' and decorators' go-to prop. They come in all sizes, styles and shapes. They are easy to DIY and can always be counted on to designate the season.<br /><br />When a home is on the market, a little seasonal decor goes a long way to let buyers know the home is loved and well-managed. Just make sure your Christmas wreath isn't still hanging around in April.<br /><br />The wreath might be your one large item, like the one I used to <a href="http://diyhomestagingtips.blogspot.com/2011/09/is-your-mantel-decorated-for-fall.html" target="_blank">stage another autumn mantel</a>. The chimney breast is a natural for the wreath, but anywhere on or even under the mantel works as well. The burlap and rafia wreath I made would need to be removed if there were a fire in the fireplace.<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/1-P1060621_zps4c35ca8e.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://i951.photobucket.com/albums/ad351/2painters/1-P1060621_zps4c35ca8e.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: small;">Would you believe I made this wreath from two new feed sacks I spotted at my local<br />Tractor Supply Company? And the best part was the price -- one dollar each!<br />I just wrapped them around a  foam wreath and tied it all with rafia. </span></i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><b><span style="font-size: large;">Rule 3. Count on Books</span></b><br /><br />Although they aren't essential to mantel staging, what could be more accessible and economical than books? Find a stack that fits on the mantel and lay them vertical or horizontal. I like older books for the character they add to a grouping.<br /><br />When you're staging your home, you can <a href="http://diyhomestagingtips.blogspot.com/2011/06/stage-your-home-with-books-heres-how.html" target="_blank">use books in your favor</a>, as supporting members of your cast of props. Books telegraph a message to people viewing your home. Think about what you want the message to be. Vintage children's books are safe, and so are botanical, travel and wildlife books. How about books that emphasize <a href="http://diyhomestagingtips.blogspot.com/2011/02/if-youve-got-location-flaunt-it-heres.html" target="_blank">what's unique about your locale</a>?<br /><br />Of course, people shopping for a home won't read your books, but many people read spines, out of habit or curiosity. Peak their interest. But avoid anything racy, political, religious or controversial. People like to do business with people who think and look like them, only better. Because, you know, they are buying your lifestyle when they buy your home.<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/1-P1060631_zpsd9ff59c4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="472" src="http://i951.photobucket.com/albums/ad351/2painters/1-P1060631_zpsd9ff59c4.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: small;">My <a href="http://diyhomestagingtips.blogspot.com/2012/09/the-abcs-of-staging-seasonal-mantel.html" target="_blank">autumn mantel</a> revolved around a green color scheme. Frankly, I tire of the <br />orange and black routine, and this arrangement<br />can stay put past Halloween. A little stack of green books to the rescue!<br />Notice how I've propped up the framed art on a glass box to give it height.</span></i></td></tr></tbody></table><b><span style="font-size: large;">Rule 4. Shop Mother Nature</span></b><br /><div><br /></div><div>Every room should include some organic elements -- a plant, flowers, fruit, or even shells, logs, leaves, twigs and other outdoor gleanings. There's a decor store featuring free accessories somewhere in your town -- a park, a beach, the woods, or your own yard.</div><div><br /></div><div>When I recommend fruit, flowers and plants, the artificial ones pass for home staging's purposes, as long as the quality is there. I used some greenery and gourds to give the mantel a fall-ish feeling.  </div><div><br /></div><div>I also chose the artwork over the mantel to reflect the season. I inherited this vintage watercolor of woodland fowl, and made a new mat for it because the frame and print were in good shape, but the mat was stained. Not only does it bring a touch of nature into the room, but its antique quality has some personality.  </div><div><br /></div><div><b><span style="font-size: large;">Rule 5. Repeat and Vary</span></b></div><div><br /></div><div>One of the principles of good design is that certain elements get repeated, but there has to be some variation. Otherwise, your props are just a line of marching soldiers. </div><div><br /></div><div>So look for a variety of textures, but keep the colors similar. Or repeat a shape, but change the size. Don't forget to stagger the items to create a rhythm as you read from left to right. </div><div><br /></div><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/1-P1060622_zps5486297c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://i951.photobucket.com/albums/ad351/2painters/1-P1060622_zps5486297c.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: small;">I liked the way the white urn, the green crockery, and the faux gourds all <br />repeat the motif of vertical ridges. They share a pattern, but they aren't identical.</span></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div>Be sure to read the other mantel staging posts I've written and linked to above. A fireplace in a home on the market is an asset that needs to be emphasized. <a href="http://diyhomestagingtips.blogspot.com/2011/08/how-to-arrange-furniture-most-common.html" target="_blank">Furniture arrangement</a> and mantel staging are the best ways to do that. </div><div><br /></div><div>For more DIY home staging advice and encouragement, 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></div><div><br /></div><div>    </div><div>         </div>

Five Rules for Staging a Mantel

It's that time of year when a fireplace mantel needs an autumnal dress-up. What's yours wearing? Make it easy to do by following my ...

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Seven Steps to a Gorgeous Fireplace Mantel

<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i951.photobucket.com/albums/ad351/2painters/1-P1020432.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://i951.photobucket.com/albums/ad351/2painters/1-P1020432.jpg" width="360" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal">Christmas and fireplace mantels are a tight twosome. With or without the traditional hung stockings, you can make your mantel the nostalgic and charming focal point of the room.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Because nostalgia and charm resonate with home buyers.  </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Here’s what I did to dress for the season a  driftwood mantel on a rugged stone fireplace that needs to be the focal point of this family room. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Step 1.  Start with an Idea</span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Your idea might be a particular color scheme or a specific topic. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">When it comes to colors and style, at holiday time you have an excuse to go glitzy or dramatic.<br /><br />For example, metallics and saturated colors that you might normally avoid while staging your home, are perfect for holiday décor. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">On the other hand, <a href="http://diyhomestagingtips.blogspot.com/2012/08/the-all-white-color-palette-is-it.html" target="_blank">monotone color schemes </a>and minimalistic styling can be smashingly elegant. It’s one way to simplify your life, because putting decorations up at the start of the season takes time, and then taking them down and storing them away takes time again in January. Keep it simple.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">For this mantel I decided to concentrate on traditional reds and greens for my color theme. My topic theme was nature, because this house sits on a densely wooded lot. In fact, all the greenery came from the property. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Some examples of specific topics would be themes like antique toys, Mercury glass, shabby chic angel ornaments, ceramic animals, or the classic nativity crèche. If your home is for sale, you might want to choose a theme that accentuates what's special about the house or the room.   </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Step 2.  Go Collecting</span></b></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://i951.photobucket.com/albums/ad351/2painters/P1020347.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/P1020347.jpg" width="360" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: small;">This garland has plenty of texture, but <br />the colors keep it simple. </span></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="MsoNormal">If you are undecided about an idea to tie your mantel decorations together, begin with step two. <a href="http://diyhomestagingtips.blogspot.com/2011/03/finishing-touches-department-where-to.html" target="_blank">Shop your home</a> and see what elements you have available. Use your imagination to repurpose items. An inverted vase can become a pedestal. A necklace can become a swag.  Books can become wrapped gifts.    </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Don’t ignore what’s growing in your vicinity (pinecones, greenery, logs, seed pods, bare branches…) as well as what you’ve tucked away in closets and other storage areas like the garage, garden shed or storage building. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Remember that paint will transform almost anything into what your color scheme calls for. That old <a href="http://diyhomestagingtips.blogspot.com/2011/02/how-to-faux-finish-plastic-flower-pot.html" target="_blank">plastic flower pot can look like granite</a>, and those thrift store vases can look like silver or gold  once they are spray painted.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Step 3. Go Shopping</span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">This step isn’t always necessary. You may have all the things you need on hand. And if you are like many crafters or budget decorators, you’ve already scooped up Christmas decorations at summer garage sales and last year’s post-holiday sales. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Your materials should include some items with different textures, sizes, and materials. For example, don’t make everything transparent or everything solid. Instead, include some of both. Include dull surfaces and glossy surfaces, large forms and smaller shapes, some round objects and some hard edge objects. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Step 4. Set up Your Backdrop</span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">It’s best to begin with a clean slate. So, remove whatever is on the mantel and give yourself room to work in front of the fireplace. Spread out the possible objects you’ve collected. <br /><br /></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/1-P1020438.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://i951.photobucket.com/albums/ad351/2painters/1-P1020438.jpg" width="297" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: small;">Large magnolia leaves and sprigs of <br />variegated holly brought some weight <br />to one end of the mantel</span></i></td></tr></tbody></table></div><div class="MsoNormal">Next, place one large object as the background for the mantel grouping. You will be surprised what a difference this makes. It gets you off to a great start. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I hung a round wreath of artificial red berries on the chimney breast to get my arrangement going. You could use a mirror, an empty frame, a painting like I did for the <a href="http://diyhomestagingtips.blogspot.com/2012/09/the-abcs-of-staging-seasonal-mantel.html" target="_blank">autumn mantel</a> I blogged about, or something vintage like shutters or a door like I’ve see Angela at Cottage Magpie do when she <a href="http://cottagemagpie.com/how-to-fall-halloween-mantel/" target="_blank">stages a mantel</a>.  </div><div class="MsoNormal">     </div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Step 5. Balance the Weight</span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I often begin by hanging or draping something the length of the mantel. This is another way of unifying and balancing the grouping that’s to come.  </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">On the driftwood mantel, I strung the garland that I purchased at Michaels. I fell for it the moment I saw it. I adore the warm colors and woodsy feel to it. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I placed one item – the red berry tree – on one end of the mantel and some oversized  greenery at the opposite end. Now I had some balance and I could fill in with smaller items. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: large;">6. Repeat the Colors</span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><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/1-P1020439.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="http://i951.photobucket.com/albums/ad351/2painters/1-P1020439.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: small;">Plenty of greenery softened the look of the stone and unified my arrangement.</span></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="MsoNormal">I added a string of glistening red berries to the center of the mantel and some more springs of greenery that included real red berries. I wasn’t about to complicate things with too many colors since I was going for tradition and natural simplicity.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Step 7. Add some details</span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">To tie the brown garland into the green arrangements above it, I wove some evergreen sprigs into the chain. That’s all it took to finish the entire mantel.  <br /><br /></div><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/1-P1020431.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://i951.photobucket.com/albums/ad351/2painters/1-P1020431.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: small;">Evergreen sprigs tucked into the swag and more red berries were part of the finishing touches. </span></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="MsoNormal">In the staged home, too many details will draw attention to the mantel itself, instead of the mantel calling attention to your selling point – the fireplace. Keeping decorations simple saves time, money and stress. When your home is on the market, you need <a href="http://diyhomestagingtips.blogspot.com/2011/12/my-favorite-15-minute-holiday.html" target="_blank">easy and quick ways to add festive touches.</a>   </div><div class="MsoNormal"><div class="MsoNormal">I write about mantel décor -- as well as what else you need to know about home staging -- in my $5 eBook, <a href="http://diyhomestagingtips.blogspot.com/p/ebooks.html" target="_blank">DIY Home Staging Tips to Sell Your Home Fast and For Top Dollar.</a> You can download the book now and start learning how to attract buyers to your property. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div></div><div align="center"><a href="http://theletteredcottage.net/christmas-mantel-decorating-ideas-link-party" title="The Lettered Cottage"><img alt="The Lettered Cottage" src="http://i268.photobucket.com/albums/jj29/LaylaPalmer/Linky%20Buttons/The_Lettered_Cottage.jpg" style="border: none;" /></a></div><center><a href="http://www.handymancraftywoman.com/"><img border="0" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v127/lars72/733blog%20design%20images/WAW_BUTTON.png" /></a></center>

Seven Steps to a Gorgeous Fireplace Mantel

Christmas and fireplace mantels are a tight twosome. With or without the traditional hung stockings, you can make your mantel the nostalgic ...

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How to Stage a Fireplace When It's Summertime

<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://cdn.decorpad.com/photos/2008/09/01/b06af41d5e3a.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/2008/09/01/b06af41d5e3a.jpg" width="470" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>What better way to show off a fireplace in summer than <br />filling it with mirrors, the way Eddie Ross has done?   </i></span></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="margin: 0in; mso-line-height-alt: 10.45pt;">Most home buyers are drawn to a fireplace like moths to a flame. <o:p></o:p></div><div style="margin: 0in; mso-line-height-alt: 10.45pt;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">But in hot weather, a fireplace doesn't have all the magnetism it does on a snowy winter day. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">In summertime, all your rooms should feel cool and refreshing.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Feng shui experts say that a fireplace makes a room “hot” because it represents the “fire element,” and that an empty, unused fireplace represents lifeless or drained energy.</div><div style="margin: 0in; mso-line-height-alt: 10.45pt;">   <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal">Even if you don't know beans about feng shui, you can't deny that there’s nothing appealing about an empty fireplace, no matter what the season. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">It’s a black hole in one wall. It looks like something’s missing or not working.    </div><div style="margin: 0in; mso-line-height-alt: 10.45pt;"><br /></div><div style="margin: 0in; mso-line-height-alt: 10.45pt;">Is there a way to <a href="http://diyhomestagingtips.blogspot.com/2011/04/fireplace-facts-which-way-should-chairs_11.html" target="_blank">showcase your fireplace</a> without suggesting heat? Yes. Here's how.<o:p></o:p></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="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU1cVBTLhejkBuQJIjLrPwvChDBg3CKoAibMY7fv3cHO5NQsIx4RTvVU8ZTRKbMCQ4FHd3d4FPyagWseV2nDyx2N8RQFl4VLCwu8lIQ8M646OM37kr9thL5-N8klyMEN9fSMOOU6PTtGuz/s400/Ali-Wentworth-Home-.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU1cVBTLhejkBuQJIjLrPwvChDBg3CKoAibMY7fv3cHO5NQsIx4RTvVU8ZTRKbMCQ4FHd3d4FPyagWseV2nDyx2N8RQFl4VLCwu8lIQ8M646OM37kr9thL5-N8klyMEN9fSMOOU6PTtGuz/s640/Ali-Wentworth-Home-.jpg" width="506" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: small;">Whether you're decorating coastal style or not, you can't go wrong <br />with an oversized clamshell, either empty or filled <br />with shells or plants. Ali Wentworth via Completely Coastal.   </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><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="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZj39kggmSRpeVQwPLYeZG9XkXHvnhs6E6KtW90zzZW6F5Yg0NOefbGzncreL1SHvwo5fi7KadDEQNKhE6GWRpBINtmWlrN6BeP7h15evUzUyhDykvZwdTJSZMoFlCOjVeD7copFEZ5Q4/s640/porchlightinteriorsblogspot_com.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZj39kggmSRpeVQwPLYeZG9XkXHvnhs6E6KtW90zzZW6F5Yg0NOefbGzncreL1SHvwo5fi7KadDEQNKhE6GWRpBINtmWlrN6BeP7h15evUzUyhDykvZwdTJSZMoFlCOjVeD7copFEZ5Q4/s640/porchlightinteriorsblogspot_com.jpg" width="620" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: small;">A mirror in front of the firebox brightens any space, and a round one like <br />this adds some needed curves to the room. Photo: Porch Light Interiors.</span></i></td></tr></tbody></table><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://www.countryliving.com/cm/countryliving/images/fireplace16-de.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://www.countryliving.com/cm/countryliving/images/fireplace16-de.jpg" width="500" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: small;">Hydrangeas are always a popular fireplace prop, because they look fresh even when <br />dried. That means they'll look fine for months. Photo: Country Living Magazine. </span></i></td></tr></tbody></table><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://inmyownstyle.com/images/2011/07/Photo-2_thumb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://inmyownstyle.com/images/2011/07/Photo-2_thumb.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: small;">Diane at In My Own Style blog designed this ever-so-sweet <a href="http://inmyownstyle.com/2011/07/decorative-screen-practically-made-for-you.html" target="_blank">decorative, folding screen</a>. <br />She made it no-sew style, from fabric attached to a pattern cutting board .</span></i></td></tr></tbody></table><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/1-P1010109.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://i951.photobucket.com/albums/ad351/2painters/homestaging/1-P1010109.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: small;">My own fireplace looks like this in summer. I bought the fabric fan at a garage sale years ago. <br />It's the perfect firebox cover-up because of its cool color.  </span></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="color: #5b5b5b; line-height: 20px; 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="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVI9NTVIiSAgEdU08_3bdvs0yjpa8hnJezc6SC2F3QR5zqtzM5KhYioMw03cqhT0VcANx2-qgOn14qoGjkqTBvLqRIThG4h7x5mtNgpa4GSVL8zGOWy3-ca_aqTcHoFDevoG5VyH_lxXSj/s1600/anchor-andirons-.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="560" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVI9NTVIiSAgEdU08_3bdvs0yjpa8hnJezc6SC2F3QR5zqtzM5KhYioMw03cqhT0VcANx2-qgOn14qoGjkqTBvLqRIThG4h7x5mtNgpa4GSVL8zGOWy3-ca_aqTcHoFDevoG5VyH_lxXSj/s640/anchor-andirons-.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>If you're going to keep logs in your fireplace in summer, add some hardware like a </i></span><br /><span style="font-size: small;"><i>handsome grate or these anchor themed andirons. Photo: Traditional Home.</i><br /><span style="font-size: small;"><i></i></span></span><br /><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"></span></span></i></span></span><br /><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small; font-style: italic;"></span></span></span><br /><div><div style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small; font-style: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;"></span></span></span></span></div><div align="left"><div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><div style="font-style: italic;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><b><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 18pt;">More How-to's for Hot Weather Fireplace Staging</span></b><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><ul style="margin-top: 0in;" type="disc"><li class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">Keep animal prints packed away during warm months. No furry pillows on<br /> the hearth, please.</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;"> In summer, flowers and plants make more sense than candles in the</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;"> <span style="background-color: white;"><br /> firebox. Candles represent small fires.</span></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;"> White birch logs or white ceramic logs look cool in the summer</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;"> <span style="background-color: white;"><br /> fireplace.</span></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;"> Any props that are beachy, nautical or coastal are perfect for</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;"> <span style="background-color: white;"><br /> fireplace staging.</span></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;"> Keep your colors on the cool and pale side of the color palette.</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;"> When in doubt, concentrate on white for a refreshing, summertime</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;"> <span style="background-color: white;"><br /> color scheme.</span></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;"> Choose colorful and glazed ceramics rather than dark crockery</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;"> <span style="background-color: white;"><br /> and earthenware.</span></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;"> Any reminders of water, like seascapes, a fountain, shells, or fish</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;"> <span style="background-color: white;"><br /> motifs, make good props for the firebox, hearth, or</span> <span style="background-color: white;"><a href="http://diyhomestagingtips.blogspot.com/2010/10/got-mantel-stage-it.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">mantel</span></a>, because</span> <span style="background-color: white;"><br /> they balance the fire element.</span></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;"> Make sure your firebox is clean, even if it is covered with a screen.</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;"> <span style="background-color: white;"><br /> Buyers will look inside.</span></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;"> Your realtor and your MLS or FSBO listing should indicate that</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;"> <span style="background-color: white;"><br /> your fireplace is working if it is a functional fireplace.</span></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;"> Tracy at Comfort and Luxury blog did a marvelous post on</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;"> <span style="background-color: white;"><a href="http://comfortandluxury.blogspot.com/2010/03/off-season-fireplace-fillers.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">out-of-season fireplaces</span></a>.</span></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></li></ul><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #5b5b5b; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">Need more ideas for fireplace staging? Check out my </span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #5b5b5b; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;"><a href="http://pinterest.com/barbarapilcher/fireplaces-out-of-season/" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">Pinterest Board, Fireplaces Out of Season.</span></a> </span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;"><b><span style="background-color: white; color: #5b5b5b; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">If you download my $5</span><span style="color: #5b5b5b; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;"> <span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: blue;"><a href="http://diyhomestagingtips.blogspot.com/p/ebooks.html" target="_blank">ebook</a>,</span></span> <span style="background-color: white;">DIY Home Staging Tips to Sell </span></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;"><b><span style="background-color: white; color: #5b5b5b; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">Your Home Fast and For Top Dollar,</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;"><b><span style="background-color: white; color: #5b5b5b; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">you can start staging your home for market today. </span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;"><b><span style="background-color: white; color: #5b5b5b; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">You’ll see how easy it is create the look </span></b><b style="background-color: white; color: #5b5b5b; line-height: 20px;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">and feel buyers want. </span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #5b5b5b; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;"><b>    </b></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><br /><div style="font-style: italic;"></div></div></div><div style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"></span></span></span></div><div align="left" style="font-style: italic;"><div style="display: inline !important; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i style="background-color: white; color: #5b5b5b; line-height: 20px; text-align: center;"><i><span style="background-color: white; color: #5b5b5b; font-size: small; line-height: 20px;"></span></i></i></span></span></span><br /><div style="font-style: italic;"></div><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i style="background-color: white; color: #5b5b5b; line-height: 20px; text-align: center;"></i></span></span></span></div><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i style="background-color: white; color: #5b5b5b; line-height: 20px; text-align: center;"></i></span></span></span><br /><div style="font-style: italic;"></div></div><div style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"></span></span></span></div></div></div></td></tr></tbody></table></div>

How to Stage a Fireplace When It's Summertime

What better way to show off a fireplace in summer than filling it with mirrors, the way Eddie Ross has done?    Most home buyers are drawn t...

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Tips for Dressing Your Mantel in Springtime

<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_3084.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_3084.jpg" width="356" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: small;">Something old something new, <br />something borrowed, something green! </span></i></td></tr></tbody></table>How a mantel is decorated can mean the difference between a fireplace that looks like a dark hole in the wall, and the fireplace that is a room's focal point.<br /><br /><a href="http://diyhomestagingtips.blogspot.com/2011/04/fireplace-facts-which-way-should-chairs_11.html">If you have a fireplace</a>, and if your home is for sale, and if winter is winding down in your neck of the woods, it's time to give the mantel some love.<br /><br />There are endless <a href="http://diyhomestagingtips.blogspot.com/2010/10/got-mantel-stage-it.html">ways to stage a mantel</a>. Here are some guidelines that I have found work for me. <br /><br /><b><span style="font-size: large;">Think Pairs.</span></b> You don't always have to have two of something, but adding pairs makes mantel staging easier. Pairs add formality and structure. Even if your room is casual, starting with a pair of objects is a good beginning.<br /><br /><b><span style="font-size: large;">Mix Old and New.</span></b> A collection of all new objects lacks contrast. A patina, some distressing, a bit of the <a href="http://diyhomestagingtips.blogspot.com/2010/10/what-home-stagers-can-learn-from-shabby.html">shabby</a>, or an artifact obviously from the past, these are what keep an arrangement from looking like a ready-made kit.<br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Stagger the Heights.</b></span> Although some mantels do fine with a row of similar or even identical objects, using a a variety of heights will call attention to your fireplace. Home staging is all about showing off your home's assets, and a fireplace is definitely an asset. When you glance at your mantel, your eye should roll gracefully over the arrangement as though "reading" it from left to right.<br /><br />Staggering the height of mantel elements might include, for example, draping a garland from the shelf or letting some greenery cascade over the edge. These are just two ways to get your zig zag going. <br /><br /><b><span style="font-size: large;">Add Texture.</span></b> A shiny ceramic vase next to old leather bound books, some craggy driftwood in front of a glass hurricane, a metal roof on a weathered birdhouse, these kinds of juxtapositions make your mantel sing. <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_3080.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://i951.photobucket.com/albums/ad351/2painters/homestaging/IMG_3080.jpg" width="440" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: small;">I wanted this springtime mantel to have "signs of life," so <br />I added both a rabbit and -- my favorite -- a frog.  </span></i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><b><span style="font-size: large;">Find Unifiers.</span></b> Like any art form, too much variation leads to chaos, and too much similarity creates boredom. Does your mantel have a unifying theme? Are you repeating a shape, a color, or objects that share a function, such as a collection of old cameras? In the mantel above, I used different shades of green as my unifying theme. Green is the color of spring. Use it to give your home on the market a shot of freshness. <br /><br /><b><span style="font-size: large;">Be Seasonal</span></b>. Decorating the mantel for the seasons like <a href="http://diyhomestagingtips.blogspot.com/2011/09/is-your-mantel-decorated-for-fall.html">autumn</a> or <a href="http://diyhomestagingtips.blogspot.com/2010/11/how-to-stage-home-for-holidays.html">winter</a> is a good idea when you are staging a home, where you want the appearance of the property to look well-tended and up-to-date. Having a rangy poinsettia or a collection of snowmen on your mantel after February, tells house hunters that a house has been on the market too long, and that no one is giving it any attention.<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_3085.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://i951.photobucket.com/albums/ad351/2painters/homestaging/IMG_3085.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>The springtime mantel should showcase a sampling of <br />greenery, flowers, and other indicators of the season. </i></span></td></tr></tbody></table><br />If you see a mantel set-up in a blog, a book, a magazine, or a model home, that draws your attention -- in a good way -- analyze what makes it work. Usually, you'll see these guidelines at work.<br /><br />You can find more tips on decorating mantels in my <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>. It's price? Just $5, and I promise to give your money back if you are not totally satisfied with your purchase. Download now so your home can sell itself!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Linking up to <a href="http://theletteredcottage.net/spring-decorating-link-party/" target="_blank">The Spring Mantel Decorating Linky Party</a> at The Lettered Cottage</i></div>

Tips for Dressing Your Mantel in Springtime

Something old something new, something borrowed, something green!  How a mantel is decorated can mean the difference between a fireplace tha...

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My Favorite 15-Minute Holiday Decorations

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i951.photobucket.com/albums/ad351/2painters/homestaging/IMG_2071.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://i951.photobucket.com/albums/ad351/2painters/homestaging/IMG_2071.jpg" width="448" /></a></div>When your home is for sale during the holiday season, some <a href="http://diyhomestagingtips.blogspot.com/2010/11/how-to-stage-home-for-holidays.html">festive touches</a> make it more attractive to buyers. But you don’t want to spend boatloads of money or time decorating. Who has an excess of either at this time of year?<br /><br />Here are my suggestions for some super fast, super easy, super frugal holiday decorations.<br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Grab Some Greenery</b></span><br /><br />Find the prettiest containers you have and fill them with whatever is fresh and green. Places that sell Christmas trees are usually happy to give you the discarded prunnings. If you have any kind of property around your home, chances are there is shrubbery suitable for bringing indoors.<br /><br />Some possibilities are the usual evergreen clippings, holly, mountain laurel, ivy, nandina, yucca, viburnum, magnolia, and ligustrum.<br /><br /><a href="http://i951.photobucket.com/albums/ad351/2painters/homestaging/IMG_2103.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://i951.photobucket.com/albums/ad351/2painters/homestaging/IMG_2103.jpg" width="480" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: left;">Shop your house and garage and garden shed  for containers –  baskets, vases, crocks, wastebaskets, ice buckets, and pails of any kind can answer the call.<br /><br />If their style isn’t in keeping with the season, give them a paper or fabric gift wrap, or a quick coat of paint.<br /><br />You can get creative with this. If all the trees are bare, branches painted white, gold, or silver are a fine substitute for greenery.<br /><br />The twigs in this photo  I painted white to use as placeholders to fill flower pots that are empty all winter.  </div><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Glue Some Sticks Together </b></span><br /><br />Give me some sticks and some glue and I will give you a trellis, a basket, a fence, a  star, or a tabletop Christmas tree.<br /><br />I gravitate towards the shiny stuff at Christmas, and if it doesn’t move, I’m likely to hit it with metallic spray paint. But rustic sticks look charming in their everyday color.<br /><br />I made the stick star from five straight branches of equal length. You could make a similar one using chopsticks, skewers, or stir sticks. I made the tree from a handful of sticks I cut into graduated pieces glued on a single "tree trunk."<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i951.photobucket.com/albums/ad351/2painters/homestaging/SticksastreeEDIT.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://i951.photobucket.com/albums/ad351/2painters/homestaging/SticksastreeEDIT.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />Once the materials are in hand, fifteen minutes! If you want to spend more time, you can get fancy and decorate these stick sculptures with small ornaments, or make a bunch of them to cluster or scatter about. If your style is <a href="http://diyhomestagingtips.blogspot.com/2010/10/what-home-stagers-can-learn-from-shabby.html">shabby chic</a>, a twiggy star is a natural for your holiday decor. Have fun and glam it up with beads and baubles!<br /><br />Under my stick star on the fireplace breast, I placed a string of blue lights on the mantel, and softened the look with a length of blue <a href="http://www.bbcrafts.com/tulle-fabric/premium-nylon-tulle-100-yards/">tulle</a>.  <br /><br />Besides sticks, there are plenty of sources for <a href="http://diyhomestagingtips.blogspot.com/2011/03/finishing-touches-department-where-to.html">frugal finishing touches</a> in nature. Items from outdoors look marvelous indoors at holiday time. I’m thinking of hydrangeas, holly berries, nuts, acorns, pinecones, moss, wax myrtle berries and nandina berries. Don’t forget green apples, or <a href="http://diyhomestagingtips.blogspot.com/2011/11/want-some-holiday-scents-make-citrus.html">lemons, limes and kumquats.</a> <br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Wrap Up a Garland Wreath</b></span><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://i951.photobucket.com/albums/ad351/2painters/homestaging/IMG_2167.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://i951.photobucket.com/albums/ad351/2painters/homestaging/IMG_2167.jpg" width="489" /></a></div>Start with almost any kind of wreath form. It could be straw, foam, vines, wire, or plywood. <br /><br />Step one: Attach a wire loop around it for hanging.<br /><br />Step two: wrap with a glitzy, tinsely garland from the dollar store.<br /><br />Step three: add a bow on top or bottom, or a ribbon wrapped around as I did, and you are done.<br /><br />I used a plastic suction cup to hang this garland wreath on the pane of a French door. If you have a metal front door, look for a magnetic hook to hang a wreath on it.<br /><br />There are other alternatives, including the old fishing-line-thumbtacked-to-the-top-edge-of-the-door trick. Or, buy a <a href="http://www.target.com/s?searchTerm=wreath+hanger&category=0%7CAll%7Cmatchallany%7Call+categories">decorative metal hook</a> that fits over your door's top edge.  <br /><span style="font-size: large;"><b><br />Collect a Bunch of Ornaments</b></span><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: right;"><a href="http://i951.photobucket.com/albums/ad351/2painters/homestaging/IMG_2133.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://i951.photobucket.com/albums/ad351/2painters/homestaging/IMG_2133.jpg" /></a></div><br />It’s a fast, elegant, and inexpensive decorating trick. Just heap an attractive bowl with simple holiday glass or plastic tree-trimming balls.    <br /><br />If you don’t have excess ornaments, the dollar store is your friend. Now’s the time to press that glass bowl, tall transparent vases, hurricane chimneys, or wooden trough into service. Pairs of matching see-through vessels are perfect on a mantel or long table.<br /><br />Silver paint turned this old twig basket into something I use every December. <br /><br />Having a <a href="http://diyhomestagingtips.blogspot.com/2011/05/ebony-and-ivory-ultimate-color-scheme.html">color scheme</a> helps keep things from being too distracting. Save your heirloom, pricey and delicate ornaments, because some people do get sticky fingers around small objects. Sad but true, <a href="http://diyhomestagingtips.blogspot.com/2010/12/tis-season-for-thievery.html">thievery</a> is a problem in homes on a home tour.                   <br /><br />It doesn't take endless days and countless dollars to get your home on the market open-house-ready at Christmastime. Try my ideas, look around, be inventive, and keep it simple. <br /><br />Need more sensible ideas and encouragement for staging your home? Download my <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>, now and discover how easy it is to make your home the one that people want to come back to for a second visit!<br /><br />I've linked this post to a Holiday Linky Party <a href="http://www.songbirdblog.com/2012/11/the-countdown-has-begun-christmas-inspiration-linky-party/#more-8218" target="_blank">Songbird</a> where you'll see other Christmas decoration ideas.<br /><br />

My Favorite 15-Minute Holiday Decorations

When your home is for sale during the holiday season, some festive touches make it more attractive to buyers. But you don’t want to spend b...

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Fireplace Facts: Which Way Should Chairs Face and Other Dilemmas.

<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://www.traditionalhome.com/images/101601724_ss.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="425" src="http://www.traditionalhome.com/images/101601724_ss.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>Nostalgic today, but essential for heating once upon a time.</i></span> </td></tr></tbody></table>I've just returned from a local tour of historic homes. I can't get enough of these places. It's like a high for me.<br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><b>I would not want</b></span> to own and maintain any of these 200- and 300-year old houses, but walk through them? I'm first in line! I never miss our annual Spring Tour of Historic Homes and Gardens. <br /><br />Unfortunately, visitors are not allowed to photograph the interiors. One year I took a sketchbook, and scribbled line drawings and notes, but people glared at me and wondered if I was up to no good, so I didn't do that again.<br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><b>But, oh, how I wish</b></span> I could have brought you all along with me today. I think you would have been swooning with me over the priceless antiques, the gorgeous colors, the exquisite craftsmanship, the variety of architectural styles, the art collections, the floral arrangements, and even the charm of the not-so-perfectly-restored homes. <br /><br />Of course, most of these old residences have multiple fireplaces. It's common to see chairs flanking the fireplace. Sometimes these chairs face the fireplace, and sometimes they face out. Sometimes there's nothing at all near the fireplace, and sometimes all the furniture in the room is arranged in front of it.<br /><br />None of the showplaces I walked through today were homes on the market, but my tour made me think about fireplaces. I decided to blog about how to stage a fireplace to accent this asset, whether it is a wood-burning one, gas logs, or even a non-functioning one. <br /><br /><b><span style="font-size: large;">If you have a fireplace </span></b>to stage, the good news is there's no right or wrong way to feature it as long as you feature it. Don't hide it behind a mountain of books, a cluster of kids toys, a jumble of media boxes and cables, or heaven forbid, a big ole piece of furniture. Here are some pointers to guide you.<br /><ul><li><b>Anchor it. </b>Make the fireplace the focal point of any staged room. People love fireplaces and they are a natural, architectural focal point. In a very large or multi-purpose room, a fireplace might be the secondary focal point, allowing house hunters the pleasure of discovering a bonus.</li></ul><ul><li><b>Add weight.</b> Start by placing the largest piece of furniture in such a way that it emphasizes the fireplace, either visible immediately when someone enters the room, directly facing the fireplace, or even perpendicular to one end of the fireplace.</li></ul><ul><li><b>Experiment.</b> Every room and every fireplace is unique. Fooling around with different pieces of furniture and different arrangements is a technique for finding the perfect grouping that even the experts use. Get your sliders out.</li></ul><ul><li><b>Refresh it.</b> When it's spring and summer, it's time to exchange the logs and fireplace tools for a seasonal touch -- flowers, a plant, or a painting that says "fresh."</li></ul><ul><li><b>Break rules.</b> If the fireplace is in the dining room or bedroom, there may not be room for the usual chairs flanking or facing the fireplace. In that case, stage the mantel to be the star of the room.</li></ul><ul><li><b>Be creative.</b> A corner fireplace can be tricky to stage. Keep the furniture pieces small to solve any traffic flow problem.  Limit the number of pieces at the fireplace to avoid a lopsided look to the room.</li></ul><ul><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><li><b>Stage the mantel.</b> The mantel is usually the icing on the cake. Choose accessories that emphasize the special features of your home -- contemporary prints if your home is newish or recently remodeled, charming antiques if your home is a cozy cottage, beachy items in you live near the coast, or period art work if your home is historic like the ones I got to peek into.    <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://www.mantelsdirect.com/images/Cecilia_ForGMA.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://www.mantelsdirect.com/images/Cecilia_ForGMA.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>Don't be afraid to limit seating to one chair beside or even facing the fireplace. Keep it from looking lonely with a side table, bookcase or lamp. Photo: Mantels Direct.</i></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><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://images.meredith.com/bhg/images/2009/09/ss_100989141.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="366" src="http://images.meredith.com/bhg/images/2009/09/ss_100989141.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>Just because chairs face away from the fireplace, does not mean they detract from its importance. These two generously-sized chairs frame the fireplace. Photo: Meredith Corp.</i></span></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table></li></ul><table align="center" 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://www.traditionalhome.com/images/img_fashionstatement_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://www.traditionalhome.com/images/img_fashionstatement_2.jpg" width="333" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>The most common approach to staging a fireplace is to group the conversation area directly in front of it. But this is not a hard and fast rule.Photo:Traditional Home.</i></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.housebeautiful.com/cm/housebeautiful/images/living-room-with-kumquat-xlg-32897863.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="250" src="http://www.housebeautiful.com/cm/housebeautiful/images/living-room-with-kumquat-xlg-32897863.jpg" width="320" /></a></div></td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr align="left"><td></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: small;">When a fireplace is so massive it rules the room, furniture has to be spaced accordingly to bring balance to the room. Photo: House Beautiful. </span></i></td></tr></tbody></table><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://www.thelennoxx.com/wp-content/uploads/3-19-kelly6.jpg.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://www.thelennoxx.com/wp-content/uploads/3-19-kelly6.jpg.jpeg" width="363" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: small;">This movable, mirrored screen actually conceals a television that sits in the nonworking fireplace of a bedroom featured on Apartment Therapy. Photo: The Lennoxx</span></i></td></tr></tbody></table><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://s3.amazonaws.com/atimg/2287294/live_like_you_painted_fireplace_screen_rect540.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://s3.amazonaws.com/atimg/2287294/live_like_you_painted_fireplace_screen_rect540.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>One way to dress up an unused or off-season firebox is with a colorful screen like this, a standard screen, spray painted a fun color that ties the fireplace to the room. Photo: Apartment Therapy. </i></span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr align="center"><td><a href="http://www.coburnarchitecture.com/showcase_image/image/327/375T7475-image.jpg?1268663870" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="271" src="http://www.coburnarchitecture.com/showcase_image/image/327/375T7475-image.jpg?1268663870" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>Two couches run perpendicular to this fireplace, as if to point to its location. Two stools near the hearth also draw attention to that end of the room. Photo: Coburn Architecture.</i></span><br /><span style="font-size: small;"><i><br /></i></span><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><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://www.countryliving.com/cm/countryliving/images/fireplace16-de.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://www.countryliving.com/cm/countryliving/images/fireplace16-de.jpg" width="312" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>Springtime makeover: Hydrangeas are one foolproof choice. Allowed to dry, they will stay handsome all summer long, giving the black hole of a fireplace some life. Photo: Country Living. </i></span></td></tr></tbody></table></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>A fireplace is </b></span>such a selling point in a home for sale, that not staging it beautifully represents a missed opportunity. Is there a fireplace in your home for sale? Do you have it staged to sell? </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;">When you order my <a href="http://diyhomestagingtips.blogspot.com/p/ebook_02.html">eBook</a>, <i>DIY Home Staging Tips to Sell Your Home Fast and For Top Dollar, </i>you'll receive chapter after chapter of helpful hints and DIY projects to let you stage your own home on a dime. You can download it now and begin immediately to see how many economical and quick projects there are that add value to your home on the market. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>Top photo: House Beautiful.</i></span></div></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: left;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: left;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: left;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: left;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: left;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: left;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: left;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: left;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: left;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>

Fireplace Facts: Which Way Should Chairs Face and Other Dilemmas.

Nostalgic today, but essential for heating once upon a time. I've just returned from a local tour of historic homes. I can't get en...

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Ins and Outs of Staging a Fireplace Mantel

<br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://images.meredith.com/bhg/images/2009/10/ss_100008282.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>Here's perfect staging style -- an interesting </i></span><br /><span style="font-size: small;"><i>variety </i></span><i style="font-size: medium;">of big, bold shapes on this </i><br /><span style="font-size: small;"><i>classic stone fireplace mantel</i></span>.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><b>When the home you are staging</b></span> has a fireplace, its mantel gives you a perfect opportunity to call attention to this feature.  Whether it's wood burning, gas logs, non functioning, electric, or just decorative, a fireplace is usually a room's main focal point.<br /><br />Having such an inviting focal point makes your staging work easier.  Put some stuff on the mantel and you're done.<br /><br />Not so fast.  What stuff?  Choose the wrong accessorizing props and you've missed an opportunity to enhance the room's selling point. Arrange them poorly and you've ruined the relaxing effect a fireplace has on a room.<br /><br />In my <a href="http://diyhomestagingtips.blogspot.com/p/ebook_02.html">eBook</a>, <i>DIY Home Staging Tips to Sell Your Home Fast and for Top Dollar</i>, I offer five different formulas and plenty of do's and don'ts that will make easy work of decorating even a problem mantel. <br /><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;"><img border="0" height="532" src="http://images.meredith.com/bhg/images/2009/10/ss_100008286.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="640" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>This fireplace is slightly off-center, so its mantel was decorated asymmetrically, </i></span><br /><span style="font-size: small;"><i>and with an odd number of items. </i></span></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://images.meredith.com/bhg/images/2009/10/ss_100008286.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Decorate the mantel </b></span>in the same style you've staged the rest of your house.<br /><br />If your home has an open floor plan, wall to wall carpet, recessed ceiling lights, and casual furnishings, choose objects for the mantel that are modern, fun, and informal.<br /><br />If your home has high ceilings, crown molding, hardwood floors, chandeliers, and a formal dining room, choose objects that are traditional, historically interesting, and sophisticated. Be selective, because you need only a few things.<br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Decorators use </b></span>what they call the Rule of One and Three.  Their advice is to choose one large or tall item and balance it with three small but somehow related items.  Maybe you have a centerpiece between them, or the four things may be the whole show.<br /><br />That rule works fine for informal mantel groupings, but not so much for that formally balanced mantel.  There, you'll want one side to look just like the other. If you have pairs of identical vases, candlesticks, picture frames or obelisks, set one of a pair on each end of the mantel.<br /><br />For less formality, keep the pairs together and balance the mantel asymmetrically.  Stand back and squint, and you should be able to tell if the mantel balances. <br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Pick mantel props </b></span>that have varying colors, textures, shapes and sizes. Just as you've done with the rest of your staged house, stay away from small stuff and go for big, clean shapes.  That doesn't mean you can't use found objects from nature. Branches, pinecones, shells, rocks, feathers, and driftwood can be wonderful mantel props.<br /><br />Stagger the props to create a fluid motion as your eye moves from left to right, the way a buyer would glance over a mantel.  Vary the heights just enough to make it interesting, but not so much that your eye jumps around.<br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><b>I'm a believer </b></span>in the fooling-around approach to accessorizing.  Experiment with what you have on hand, and you're bound to discover the perfect arrangement.  Every staged house for sale with a fireplace deserves some thoughtful attention to its mantel.  I hope you'll be inspired by these photos to create your own mantel masterpiece.<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;"><img border="0" height="331" src="http://images.meredith.com/bhg/images/2009/10/ss_101149357.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>J</i><span style="font-size: small;"><i>ust a couple of dramatic items are all it took to accent the beauty of </i></span><br /><span style="font-size: small;"><i>this contemporary style fireplace. </i></span></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://images.meredith.com/bhg/images/2009/10/ss_101149357.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div><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;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://images.meredith.com/bhg/images/2009/10/ss_100952705.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>A cozy home with cottage-style furnishings deserves </i></span><br /><span style="font-size: small;"><i>a mantel dressed in nature-themed objects. </i></span></td></tr></tbody></table><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;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://images.meredith.com/bhg/images/2009/10/ss_101133838.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>All the things on this mantle repeat the colors and </i></span><br /><span style="font-size: small;"><i>shapes seen elsewhere in the room.</i></span><br /><span style="font-size: small;"><i> <span style="font-size: x-small;">Above photos: BHG.com</span></i></span><br /><span style="font-size: small;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></i></span><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.veranda.com/cm/veranda/images/yy/estates-greystone-great-house-17-0309_LG.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.veranda.com/cm/veranda/images/yy/estates-greystone-great-house-17-0309_LG.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.veranda.com/cm/veranda/images/yy/estates-greystone-great-house-17-0309_LG.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.veranda.com/cm/veranda/images/yy/estates-greystone-great-house-17-0309_LG.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://www.veranda.com/cm/veranda/images/yy/estates-greystone-great-house-17-0309_LG.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>Although the art on either side of this fireplace is informal, </i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>the mantel is dressed formally. Photo: Veranda.com</i></span></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.veranda.com/cm/veranda/images/yr/marsden-willis-north-carolina-0908-6_lg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://www.veranda.com/cm/veranda/images/yr/marsden-willis-north-carolina-0908-6_lg.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>Six prints and two vases that repeat this room's blue f</i></span><i><span style="font-size: small;">loral </span></i><br /><i><span style="font-size: small;">motif, create a formal, refined mantel. Photo: Veranda.com</span><span style="font-size: x-small;">.</span></i><br /><i><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.veranda.com/cm/veranda/images/7A/ver-barry-fireplace-1109-4-lgn.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://www.veranda.com/cm/veranda/images/7A/ver-barry-fireplace-1109-4-lgn.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>Less is more.  Barbara Barry designed this living room </i></span><br /><span style="font-size: small;"><i>around an elegantly simple fireplace. Photo:Verdanda.com.</i></span><i style="font-size: small;">  </i></div><br /></div></div></div></td></tr></tbody></table>

Ins and Outs of Staging a Fireplace Mantel

Here's perfect staging style -- an interesting  variety  of big, bold shapes on this  classic stone fireplace mantel . When the home you...

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