Living Room, Take 3

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn9KP276eLK5-8BF079V7veZ8YvyE7k_dU0FWjFrZBQ0Cn7fUipIL-Cag1FJqmUooJqtpsEExNOe6m1EmUWSn43z8xMxJ-Bz51O5wyqSXD88WCVRCpg2iNeX4zGEQl7SmVzIsl3DSTZBs/s1600/IMG_3036.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn9KP276eLK5-8BF079V7veZ8YvyE7k_dU0FWjFrZBQ0Cn7fUipIL-Cag1FJqmUooJqtpsEExNOe6m1EmUWSn43z8xMxJ-Bz51O5wyqSXD88WCVRCpg2iNeX4zGEQl7SmVzIsl3DSTZBs/s1600/IMG_3036.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDs5ECWCxGPOawwGuWSz6eNu3QISotqi2uB7NaqjhdYzgjPWLXYGeAmQhfQCLw64I-I5Td06SehXnXunh0fnhl0bK-jHNuBhuzvrrNLu4ql6lvG6dnSniJ-zjhVWhNW640ifmnv6XxLgQ/s1600/IMG_3061.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDs5ECWCxGPOawwGuWSz6eNu3QISotqi2uB7NaqjhdYzgjPWLXYGeAmQhfQCLw64I-I5Td06SehXnXunh0fnhl0bK-jHNuBhuzvrrNLu4ql6lvG6dnSniJ-zjhVWhNW640ifmnv6XxLgQ/s1600/IMG_3061.jpg" /></a></div><br />My living room has been going through some changes since I last posted a <a href="http://aubreyandlindsay.blogspot.ca/2012/10/living-room-take-2.html" target="_blank">tour of it here</a>. I was never really totally happy with how the artwork looked on the wall, and it felt a bit too "adult" and, felt like there was too much space between frames so  I decided to do some changes. I wanted it to feel a little more youthful, and have a better reflection of us as a family, so I'm happy right now with how it is. (Though it's likely to change over the next few months)<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-BzxkWfoPLSX-iArzgyWS4IzhDDFJ9hjHocir8ZuPVK2iicGBl9j2k66LVPKmAfNHTpTS2nBkl3KYB_ZXikhlHjJKuCjyodi7TDpl1MFiOUauyvPxdpVLEhTB9oonApoyQ4HaC6w3VfM/s1600/IMG_3050.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-BzxkWfoPLSX-iArzgyWS4IzhDDFJ9hjHocir8ZuPVK2iicGBl9j2k66LVPKmAfNHTpTS2nBkl3KYB_ZXikhlHjJKuCjyodi7TDpl1MFiOUauyvPxdpVLEhTB9oonApoyQ4HaC6w3VfM/s1600/IMG_3050.jpg" /></a></div>I switched out the old pillows for new ones on my caned chairs to be <a href="http://prf.hn/click/camref:11l3pT/destination:https%3A%2F%2Fwww.etsy.com%2Flisting%2F118679692%2Fkelly-wearstler-bengal-bazaar-magenta%3Fref%3Dsr_gallery_6%26ga_search_query%3DBengal%2BBazaar%2BMagenta%26ga_ship_to%3DZZ%26ga_search_type%3Dall%26ga_view_type%3Dgallery" target="_blank">Kelly Wearstler's Bengal Bazaar.</a> Seriously, I want to have them in every single room of my house. (Sewn by <a href="http://prf.hn/click/camref:11l3pT/destination:https%3A%2F%2Fwww.etsy.com%2Flisting%2F118679692%2Fkelly-wearstler-bengal-bazaar-magenta%3Fref%3Dsr_gallery_6%26ga_search_query%3DBengal%2BBazaar%2BMagenta%26ga_ship_to%3DZZ%26ga_search_type%3Dall%26ga_view_type%3Dgallery" target="_blank">Aurelia on Etsy</a>, they are gorrrrrrrgeous)<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBUwHBl1IigsKSde27yOC9G7SBsWDI7k8kngJAclJM1IRBMOY7Qi4FD-4n79OPTjrvnxgl_r_8Ziw0z_BJOJQ_GkNGLokSUrEYQINK57U5xmT4VMvy1Gnglp7HgsyUw81vZj8I_OpHzdI/s1600/IMG_3067.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBUwHBl1IigsKSde27yOC9G7SBsWDI7k8kngJAclJM1IRBMOY7Qi4FD-4n79OPTjrvnxgl_r_8Ziw0z_BJOJQ_GkNGLokSUrEYQINK57U5xmT4VMvy1Gnglp7HgsyUw81vZj8I_OpHzdI/s1600/IMG_3067.jpg" /></a></div>I've always loved this David Hicks print, so I brought in the pattern into the living room <a href="http://prf.hn/click/camref:11l3pT/destination:https%3A%2F%2Fwww.etsy.com%2Ftransaction%2F180928841%3Fref%3Dfb2_tnx_title" target="_blank">via pillows for the couch</a>.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv0uo0GIUccs9j4nGpZZyGI3Vc3N0QKzdDEw9DOktHzPqi1F2FxORejdblaeZctoXzBDGOkJdDPAb34i2cT2CDOMy7fmxJFr_7xRVHArjlDtRU7tZjOSOBT0a9Bkri4rPN8j1fi5GUkn4/s1600/IMG_3236.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv0uo0GIUccs9j4nGpZZyGI3Vc3N0QKzdDEw9DOktHzPqi1F2FxORejdblaeZctoXzBDGOkJdDPAb34i2cT2CDOMy7fmxJFr_7xRVHArjlDtRU7tZjOSOBT0a9Bkri4rPN8j1fi5GUkn4/s1600/IMG_3236.jpg" /></a></div><br />I added <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/146296687869240461/" target="_blank">two Target stools</a> in purple beneath my console - which act as a pop of colour but also, added seating for when we host parties. The console has a vintage box that I found at the cottage, and in it, there are coasters that I pull out when people have drinks. Beside it, some of the shells and coral Oscar and I collected in the Dominican this past winter. Two baskets on either side are useful - and pretty. One has Oscar's wooden building blocks and the other, my home decor magazines.<br /><br />The <b>artwork </b>on the walls are all framed (with the exception of two) in Ikea frames that I've switched matting out for - or, just framed a print <i>without </i>matting. It's a mixture of my own artwork, Oscar's and some purchased art. I love the gallery wall and what I chose to do was figure out the placement of the frames first, then, I filled them as I found artwork I liked. This method for me, worked the best as I didn't really know what look I wanted. So it was a work in progress for quite some time.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9o4_ahZMKa4wEcZvaEh6Wtwc87dj53Af3n5vuQ78AOnsc7Psp3r5V64YT5KAOeNiNw79M0UV4r5KQNGlKOn9NVeoGZ8sX0d_ore2HP_AGEXYyMaoXFSf3B4-aoQ1llfIN_SHAuJmPcXo/s1600/IMG_3094.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9o4_ahZMKa4wEcZvaEh6Wtwc87dj53Af3n5vuQ78AOnsc7Psp3r5V64YT5KAOeNiNw79M0UV4r5KQNGlKOn9NVeoGZ8sX0d_ore2HP_AGEXYyMaoXFSf3B4-aoQ1llfIN_SHAuJmPcXo/s1600/IMG_3094.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlTAP5jAfvFJuHhse2fkiiV4Oi7o12P4HCvA2aMDg_ER16YbdInmcGY0AKspotuphbk8Eqy3TE4skrB6n0NSXEQLL0r341wRWrJx2_LqUKtCyG2vqh-a4fpi4uO2oFQTsiLD2KFuFM3FY/s1600/s.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlTAP5jAfvFJuHhse2fkiiV4Oi7o12P4HCvA2aMDg_ER16YbdInmcGY0AKspotuphbk8Eqy3TE4skrB6n0NSXEQLL0r341wRWrJx2_LqUKtCyG2vqh-a4fpi4uO2oFQTsiLD2KFuFM3FY/s1600/s.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br />1. <a href="http://aubreyandlindsay.blogspot.ca/2010/09/goofing-around.html" target="_blank">Oscar's moustache,</a> framed in an Ikea shadow box. <a href="http://prf.hn/click/camref:11l3pT/destination:https%3A%2F%2Fwww.etsy.com%2Fshop%2FWhiskerWorks%3Fref%3Dl2-shop-info-name" target="_blank">Mustache on a stick by Whisker Works</a><br />2. An art print, unknown artist<br />3. I love <a href="http://hableconstruction.com/" target="_blank">Hable Construction</a>, especially this fabric so much I framed a picture of the fabric.<br />4. <a href="http://www.pennypaperco.com/collections/abstract/products/abstract-print-portrait-no-3" target="_blank">A sketch I did </a><br />5. Ikea mirror, painted white (I think it has been discontinued)<br />6. A print of a oil painting I did<br />7. Oscar's abstract<br />8. Oscar's abstract<br />9. J<a href="http://www.joannabell.com/" target="_blank">oanna Bell photograph,</a> a local Beach artist<br />10. Painting by<a href="http://prf.hn/click/camref:11l3pT/destination:https%3A%2F%2Fwww.etsy.com%2Ftransaction%2F69708195%3Fref%3Dfb2_tnx_title" target="_blank"> Roisin Morris</a><br /><br /><a href="http://aubreyandlindsay.blogspot.ca/2012/01/what-wasnt-blogged-about.html" target="_blank">My yellow-ish ottoman</a> makes an appearance in the top photo but dissapears in some of the others, as it feels on occasion, too crowded. Plus, typically it stays to the side as Oscar plays with his toys in this room. It's still in the original fabric I bought it in, which was a yellow hue to it, so it doesn't really fit the whole room anymore, and is craving to be recovered in a different fabric. I have some quotes in on fixing that up but it's hard to justify that expense just yet while we have so many other things that need doing. So I have a feeling it may be put off for a bit.<br /><br />Anyhow, I've been meaning to show this for awhile! It's a great example of how I switch things around a lot - and I can, because I've done major pieces of the room - couch, drapes, walls, and bookshelf, in really neutral tones - which allows me to switch things up as my tastes change.<br /><br />xo Lindsay <script async src="//pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/js/adsbygoogle.js"></script><!-- BIG Ad for posts --><ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:336px;height:280px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-1823932887598627" data-ad-slot="9770787480"></ins><script>(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script>

Living Room, Take 3

My living room has been going through some changes since I last posted a tour of it here . I was never really totally happy with how the art...

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How to Use Today's Trendy Grey and Yellow Palette

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><a href="http://i951.photobucket.com/albums/ad351/2painters/bedbhg_zpsc68c355c.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/bedbhg_zpsc68c355c.jpg" width="480" /></a>Looking for a crowd-pleasing color combo that looks clean and contemporary to make your home attractive to buyers? I vote for grey and yellow.<br /><br />I'll admit that when -- just a couple years ago -- I started seeing greys in photo spreads and hearing greys talked about as the new neutral, I was all, no way! <br /><br />Now, I see what a workhorse greys can be. I thought greys would be depressing, dark and dinghy. Not so. They are chic and soothing. They have many variations, from cool and clear, to muddy and warm, and everything in between. They're easy to combine with all kinds of other colors, but do well on their own.<br /><br />Grey is the up-to-the-moment decorating darling color now, and bound to hold that position for a years to come. Yellow is the current companion that makes it look new. Yellow is always in <a href="http://diyhomestagingtips.blogspot.com/2013/01/five-simple-ways-to-add-style-to-your.html" target="_blank">style</a>.<br /><br />In other words, you can't go wrong with this twosome as long as --<br /><ul><li>You keep the <a href="http://diyhomestagingtips.blogspot.com/2013/03/pastel-colors-good-or-bad-for-staging.html" target="_blank">colors on the lighter side</a>. </li><li>The colors in one room flow with the colors in adjoining rooms.</li><li>There are no jarring accent colors.</li><li>The greys you choose are all in the same <a href="http://diyhomestagingtips.blogspot.com/2010/04/how-to-choose-paint-color-easy-way.html" target="_blank">color family</a>. The same for the yellows. </li></ul><div><br /></div><div><b><span style="font-size: large;">The Trick to Choosing a Great Grey: Undertones</span></b></div><div><br /></div><div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i951.photobucket.com/albums/ad351/2painters/chairwtwopatterns_zps8e7fbbc1.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/chairwtwopatterns_zps8e7fbbc1.jpg" width="426" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: small;">Shopping for fabrics, drapes, linens, upholstered <br />pieces, lamps, or pillows? You'll have plenty of <br />grey and yellow options this season. </span></i></td></tr></tbody></table>One advantage to painting with greys is that they cover well. That's why many primers are tinted grey.<br /><br />Whereas some colors, particularly yellows and reds, often require two coats to completely mask a previous paint color, greys absorb light and so they mask well.<br /><br />Whether you're <a href="http://diyhomestagingtips.blogspot.com/2012/06/painting-furniture-dont-make-these.html" target="_blank">painting furniture</a> or walls, you can save time and money by going with grey. But how do you determine the right grey when you're starting from scratch?  </div><div><br /></div><div>To help you decide, look at the darkest version of any grey on the color strip at the paint store. It will help you see what the undertones are.<br /><br />For example, Sherwin Williams "Wallflower" is almost lilac, but you might not notice that unless you look at the other end of the same strip and see the saturated maroon chip. Their "Silver Strand" has olive brown undertones, which is apparent when you look at the dark end of the color strip. If you're looking for a bluish grey, you'll find it at on the strip that has navy colors on the dark side, and greys named "Icy," and "Solitude" on the same strip. </div><div><br /></div><div>Once you have a color grey you want to use, whether you are painting with it or just using it to match something like fabric, previously <a href="http://diyhomestagingtips.blogspot.com/2010/10/painted-furniture-home-stagings-friend.html" target="_blank">painted furniture</a>, carpeting or tile, carry the paint chip with you as a sample when you are making your home staging decorating decisions. The other greys in the room needn't match, but they should share the same undertone.  </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/hgtvbath_zps3f006d65.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="466" src="http://i951.photobucket.com/albums/ad351/2painters/hgtvbath_zps3f006d65.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: small;">If you have some existing fixtures that are grey, whether it's tiles, carpeting, appliances,<br />or upholstered pieces, finding the right shade of yellow will update them. Photo: hgtv.</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/livrmluckypinkelephants_zps0b29e323.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://i951.photobucket.com/albums/ad351/2painters/livrmluckypinkelephants_zps0b29e323.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: small;">A soft grey like this is an ideal color choice for home staging.</span></i> <i><span style="font-size: small;">The </span></i><br /><i><span style="font-size: small;">yellow accents here add texture and warmth. Photo: Luckypinkelephants.  </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/mcmlivrmplummersfurniture_zpse3df7d9a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="478" src="http://i951.photobucket.com/albums/ad351/2painters/mcmlivrmplummersfurniture_zpse3df7d9a.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: small;">If you don't have new grey and yellow upholstered pieces like these, you do know that<br />you can slipcover or <a href="http://diyhomestagingtips.blogspot.com/2013/04/how-to-beautify-ugly-microfiber-chair.html" target="_blank">paint upholstered pieces</a>, right? Photo: Plummers Furniture. </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/Blog-GreyandyellowBHGbdrm_zps923ac255.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://i951.photobucket.com/albums/ad351/2painters/Blog-GreyandyellowBHGbdrm_zps923ac255.jpg" width="444" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: small;">Black and white are perfect foils for a grey and yellow room. They add<br />a certain crispness to the space. This photo and top two photos: bhg. </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/livrmhomesdirect_zps415f58a9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://i951.photobucket.com/albums/ad351/2painters/livrmhomesdirect_zps415f58a9.jpg" width="474" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: small;">If you don't want to commit to an all-over gray and yellow color palette, <br />you can limit your yellow to frugal or dispensable accessories. The grey<br />furnishings will be your neutral pieces in the future. Photo: DirectHomes.   </span></i></td></tr></tbody></table>The colors you choose for decorating your home can make or break your home staging  Greys mixed with yellows give you a safe route that's on trend and versatile. <br /><br />For much more advice on colors, accessories, <a href="http://diyhomestagingtips.blogspot.com/2011/08/how-to-arrange-furniture-most-common.html" target="_blank">furniture arrangement</a>, cleaning, decluttering, landscaping, and other projects for staging your own home, 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 for  Top Dollar. </i>It comes with my money back guarantee. </div>

How to Use Today's Trendy Grey and Yellow Palette

Looking for a crowd-pleasing color combo that looks clean and contemporary to make your home attractive to buyers? I vote for grey and yello...

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How to Make Patterns Work for Your Home Staging

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: left;"></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/P1060363_zps322fb8da.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://i951.photobucket.com/albums/ad351/2painters/P1060363_zps322fb8da.jpg" width="286" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: small;">Pattern mixing 101: Keep it simple.<br />This place setting is just squiggles and stripes, <br />done in members of the blue family </span></i></td></tr></tbody></table>Every staged home runs the risk of looking plain vanilla ho hum ordinary.<br /><br />But with the clever injection of some texture and pattern, your DIY staging will hit the mark and win the hearts of buyers.<br /><br />Texture mixing is pretty simple. Just incorporate a variety of surface treatments and material -- shiny metals, rusted metals, nubby fabrics, silky fabrics, furry fabrics, smooth woods, distressed woods...You really can't overload textural interest unless you're overloading colors as well.<br /><br />But <a href="http://diyhomestagingtips.blogspot.com/2010/11/decorating-with-patterns-101.html" target="_blank">pattern mixing</a> is a little trickier. You <i><b>can </b></i>overload patterns.<br /><br />Also, when you combine patterns for home staging, it's not the same as mixing patterns for personal decorating. <br /><br />I'm here to help. Here are a few simple guidelines specifically geared to home staging.<br /><br /><b><span style="font-size: large;">Color Counts </span></b><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />Keep the color palette of your textile prints simple. Limit yourself to two or three colors per room. The trend now is towards more colorful rooms, more saturated colors, more unusual colors. Don't go there. Play it safe with colors that any home buyer could relate to. <br /><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/P1060357_zps934fb109.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/P1060357_zps934fb109.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: small;">A bed-in-a-bag and a beagle. She loves to<br />make a nest in my co-ordinated <br />Waverly fabrics purchased 10 years ago.  </span></i></td></tr></tbody></table>Choose neutrals and pastels that are not distractions on a home tour. Your pattern colors should pick up some of the neutral colors in the room. Choose either clear hues or muddy hues. Choose either intense colors or muted <a href="http://diyhomestagingtips.blogspot.com/2013/03/pastel-colors-good-or-bad-for-staging.html" target="_blank">pastels</a>, not both.<br /><br />Determine the undertones in whatever colors you use. Do they tend toward yellows or pinks or greens or greys? When in doubt, match your colors to a paint chip and ask at the paint store what the undertones are. They have the formula and know the pigments that make up the color, so they can identify the undertones for you. They'll do this even if you are not buying paint.<br /><br />One goof-proof way to mix patterns is to buy fabrics bundled by a professional decorator. Bed-in-a-bag is an example. Retail outlets and manufacturers deliberately coordinate things like table linens, bath towels, and kitchen textiles to make it easy for you and to sell you more of their stuff. Buy their sets or just imitate the catalog and store displays.<br /><br />Another way to be sure your patterns talk to each other and don't take over the room is to base your patterns on a single color. For example, I'm picturing a room with creamy draperies edged in pale yellow, yellow floral and chevron stripped pillows, and a yellow gingham upholstered chair.   <br /><br />One of my Pinterest Boards shows <a href="http://pinterest.com/barbarapilcher/colors-for-a-staged-home/" target="_blank">color schemes appropriate for a staged home</a>. Visit there for inspiration and ideas when you're choosing colors.<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/hgtvbedrm_zps18b29c25.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="478" src="http://i951.photobucket.com/albums/ad351/2painters/hgtvbedrm_zps18b29c25.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>Repetition holds this assortment of fabric patterns together. We see a rich red and <br />a faded red. The chain motif trimming the pillows repeats the curves of the <br />paisley pillows. The polka dot pillow imitates the tufted chenille bedspread.<br />And the gold in the pillows repeats the gold of the brass bed.  Photo: BHG.</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/pillows_zps15bffb91.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://i951.photobucket.com/albums/ad351/2painters/pillows_zps15bffb91.jpg" width="556" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: small;">A charming, contemporary toile in teal and a mandala-like design <br />in orange compliment each other beautifully. These draperies don't strike me <br />as too matchy at all!  Photo: Woman's Day.</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/livingrm_zpsb82999f5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://i951.photobucket.com/albums/ad351/2painters/livingrm_zpsb82999f5.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: small;">You can't go wrong with the classic combo of floral (carpeting), plaid or check (chairs) <br />and a stripe (draperies). Photo: Myhomeideas.com, by Erica Georges Dines.</span></i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><b><span style="font-size: large;">Scale is All About Size, Style, and Placement</span></b><br /><br />Mix large patterns with small patterns and something in between. This kind of mixing creates a finished, <a href="http://diyhomestagingtips.blogspot.com/2013/01/five-simple-ways-to-add-style-to-your.html" target="_blank">stylish</a>, interesting look. Mix angular geometrics with curvy florals. Mix ombre, ikat, <a href="http://diyhomestagingtips.blogspot.com/2010/11/ten-ways-to-rock-global-look.html" target="_blank">ethnic,</a> and batik prints and with crisp modern designs. These kinds of juxtapositions delight the eye and bring a room to life. <br /><br />Spread your patterned pieces around the room, as well. If all your patterns are on <a href="http://diyhomestagingtips.blogspot.com/2012/06/easy-way-to-make-your-own-decorator.html" target="_blank">pillows</a> clustered on one couch and the rest of the room is showing solid colors, there's an imbalance. Pattern placement keeps the eye moving, and that's what you want. <br /><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i951.photobucket.com/albums/ad351/2painters/blogMixingprints_zps522efcd7.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="376" src="http://i951.photobucket.com/albums/ad351/2painters/blogMixingprints_zps522efcd7.jpeg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: small;">A lovely collection of subdued blues. The bedspread is <br /> a <a href="http://apartmenttherapy.com/how-to-make-a-b-138526" target="_blank">block print using a rubber welcome mat</a>.  Photo: Leah Moss</span></i></td></tr></tbody></table>Carry swatches of fabric and paint chips with you when you are staging your home. The mind does not remember colors the way it does numbers and facts. Fabrics really need to be seen in 3-D next to each other for you to judge their likeability.<br /><br /><b><span style="font-size: large;">Restraint Rules the Day</span></b><br /><br />Limit your pattern selections and color choices to three. Sounds boring? Sure. Looks boring? Not necessarily! An uncluttered home looks <a href="http://diyhomestagingtips.blogspot.com/2013/02/how-to-make-your-home-look-new.html" target="_blank">new</a> and clean.<br /><br />Remember that you can repeat the patterns in more than one place. A striped panel in the draperies can be repeated on a tablerunner. That's not matchy-matchy. That's just cross pollination.<br /><br />One strategy to make a room look more intentionally designed than thrown together is to use similar or identical trims on upholstered pieces, <a href="http://diyhomestagingtips.blogspot.com/2012/03/listen-up-its-easy-to-make-no-sew.html" target="_blank">window treatments</a>, lamp shades, pillows, and other accessories. Your trim could be something like white cording, a fuzzy fringe, colorful rick rack, gold braiding or patterned ribbon.   <br /><br />Tone down the size of bold contrast patterns. This one trick will help keep your rooms looking comfortable and tasteful. If you're staging a really large room, you'll need some large textile designs, but they can be composed of subtle color variations.<br /><br />So, don't be afraid of printed textiles. They can help you sell your house! There's plenty of solid color in most rooms to balance a selection of prints and patterns. Just jump in, and follow my guidelines for mixing and matching prints for home staging.<br /><br />If you want more tips to stage your own home, be sure to order 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> It will teach you to stage like a pro!<br /><br />

How to Make Patterns Work for Your Home Staging

Pattern mixing 101: Keep it simple. This place setting is just squiggles and stripes, done in members of the blue family  Every staged home ...

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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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Living Room, Take 2

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRhAQeqlJ5Q9Hl_cLB5xOEeQhdSsqPmXxZSYoaiDYay3uLoMPioDc1H65zXBH8qFzWTXlDfEQ62iHMojvv1Zex8z5X89gTd1AKsgDYlsLs_q2wIKoPYT5pk94i3aFM0XAc-a9m2KuavXJx/s1600/livingroom.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRhAQeqlJ5Q9Hl_cLB5xOEeQhdSsqPmXxZSYoaiDYay3uLoMPioDc1H65zXBH8qFzWTXlDfEQ62iHMojvv1Zex8z5X89gTd1AKsgDYlsLs_q2wIKoPYT5pk94i3aFM0XAc-a9m2KuavXJx/s1600/livingroom.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I posted some <a href="http://aubreyandlindsay.blogspot.ca/2012/09/living-room-updates.html" target="_blank">changes to our living room a few weeks back</a> but ever since I posted the photo, the art placement had been bothering me. Truthfully when I viewed the room via my camera lens, I felt as though the art <em>was too small</em> and far apart from eachother. So I took out two smaller pieces and replaced it with my flamingo print. Aubrey says the flamingo print (shown below) should be in a gold frame to match the others. But I think the white breaks it up. Thoughts? </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht5d73DGaMqB22Q68BdssSHgYYHgtzw8u_IkiLlBo4Ahu-r98EtsMMSx88VrejZLK3AxyAyH-Fnryk5TN09fqr-ruAvg9QHD3UjrnhYzNEWfL-0qmonzdAyARvI5NyGEXhFMs82JTKYQWR/s1600/IMG_7618.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht5d73DGaMqB22Q68BdssSHgYYHgtzw8u_IkiLlBo4Ahu-r98EtsMMSx88VrejZLK3AxyAyH-Fnryk5TN09fqr-ruAvg9QHD3UjrnhYzNEWfL-0qmonzdAyARvI5NyGEXhFMs82JTKYQWR/s1600/IMG_7618.jpg" /></a></div><br />Instead of trying to create art for above the console table I stole my gold mirror from my bedroom. And it's perfect. I think. (I suck at making decisions.) The mirror adds a lot of light to the room and takes away pressure to paint the perfect piece. It's really, really hard to paint at 40" x 40". <br /><br />Anyways, just some insight into the decorating adventures of this indecisive woman. <br /><br /><em>Ps., </em><a href="http://aubreyandlindsay.blogspot.ca/2012/02/dit-abstract-art.html" target="_blank"><em>I sold my big 40"x40" painting</em></a><em>, and I think from now on I'll stick to smaller paintings (</em><a href="http://www.pennypaperco.com/collections/paintings" target="_blank"><em>you can find some of my smaller ones in my shop</em></a><em>).</em>

Living Room, Take 2

I posted some changes to our living room a few weeks back but ever since I posted the photo, the art placement had been bothering me. Truth...

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The ABC's of Staging a Seasonal Mantel

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i951.photobucket.com/albums/ad351/2painters/homestaging/P1010620.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/P1010620.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>A mantel that's decorated for the season gives a message to buyers that your home is getting the attention it deserves.<br /><br />And a little attention on your part goes a long  way. A few new props that indicate the season, or a different floral arrangement might be all you need to make your  mantel look current.     <br /><br />One of the easiest ways to <a href="http://diyhomestagingtips.blogspot.com/2013/09/five-rules-for-staging-mantel.html" target="_blank">stage a mantel</a> is to start with a painting.<br /><br />A landscape painting is an especially good choice, because landscapes have a way of opening up a space. If the landscape showcases the local scenery, so much the better.<br /><br />To stage this fireplace mantel for the autumn season, I choose a painting I<a href="http://diyhomestagingtips.blogspot.com/2011/06/what-every-garage-sale-shopper-needs-to.html" target="_blank"> bought at a garage sale.</a> Since it's an autumn scene, I'm already half way to the look I want.<br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><b>My next step</b></span> was to hunt for objects that would pick up the colors in the painting. I also wanted to include a variety of textures, of materials, and of shapes.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i951.photobucket.com/albums/ad351/2painters/homestaging/P1010627.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://i951.photobucket.com/albums/ad351/2painters/homestaging/P1010627.jpg" /></a></div>    <br />There are plenty of soft and pleasing colors in this autumnal scene. I decided to bring out the greens and oranges with the props I chose, because those seemed the most autumnal. The walls in this room were a soft yellow, an ideal background for the painting.<br /><br />Still life paintings and abstract art are also excellent choices for home staging, providing they are not too distracting or controversial.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i951.photobucket.com/albums/ad351/2painters/homestaging/P1010633.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="474" src="http://i951.photobucket.com/albums/ad351/2painters/homestaging/P1010633.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />I love the shape of this planter, and I love the reflective glaze. The color is perfect so I knew I'd use it on the mantel. Chances are that you already own the objects you need to stage a mantel in your own home. They should not be too small, too valuable, or too personal. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i951.photobucket.com/albums/ad351/2painters/homestaging/P1010644.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://i951.photobucket.com/albums/ad351/2painters/homestaging/P1010644.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Every home stager</b></span> keeps an assortment of things like silks, and floral foam, and sheet moss or spaghnam moss to cover up the foam. I pulled out my faux Chinese lantern silks because I knew I didn't want to limit the color palette to greens.<br /><br />The wire stems on these silks were longer than I wanted them to be, but instead of cutting them off, I bent them back a few times. Now, if I need them long again, I just need to bend the stems straight.<br /><br />Even though the flowers are fake, I like to concentrate on flowers that are actually in season, the way I chose alliums and grass for <a href="http://diyhomestagingtips.blogspot.com/2012/03/tips-for-dressing-your-mantel-in.html" target="_blank">staging this springtime mantel</a>. You can read my suggestions for <a href="http://diyhomestagingtips.blogspot.com/2012/07/how-to-stage-fireplace-when-its.html" target="_blank">staging a summertime fireplace here</a>.   <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i951.photobucket.com/albums/ad351/2painters/homestaging/P1010628.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://i951.photobucket.com/albums/ad351/2painters/homestaging/P1010628.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><b>What fall arrangement</b></span> is complete without seasonal gourds or pumpkins?<br /><br />My green gourds are from the dollar store. I used them on a <a href="http://diyhomestagingtips.blogspot.com/2011/09/is-your-mantel-decorated-for-fall.html" target="_blank">mantel last fall</a> and even after being stored in my garden shed all year, they're in like-new condition.<br /><br />I knew if I needed more things than what I had on hand, I could scavenge in my own neighborhood or backyard for pine cones, twigs, dried flowers, and even rocks.<br /><br />And there's always the recycling bin for interesting <a href="http://diyhomestagingtips.blogspot.com/2011/03/finishing-touches-department-where-to.html" target="_blank">cheap staging props</a> that can be painted or otherwise disguised.   <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i951.photobucket.com/albums/ad351/2painters/homestaging/P1010630.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://i951.photobucket.com/albums/ad351/2painters/homestaging/P1010630.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />I used a Michael's coupon to purchase the garland of berries, even though I wasn't sure how I would be using a string of berries.<br /><br />I wanted something metallic and something with a patina, so this candle holder came out of the prop closet.<br /><br />I also wanted some clear glass, so I brought out some vases and chimneys, not sure which ones I would use. I ended up setting this glass vase on top of the candle pedestal to give it height. Often, wide glass vases can look like hurricane chimneys but cost less and are not so fragile. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i951.photobucket.com/albums/ad351/2painters/homestaging/P1010615.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="516" src="http://i951.photobucket.com/albums/ad351/2painters/homestaging/P1010615.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><b>I wasn't pleased</b></span> with this, my first attempt. The lineup of "marching gourds" looked too sterile, so I clustered them for the more interesting look you see in the top photo.<br /><br />Every tablescape or mantel arrangement calls for some fooling around before it all falls into place. So, gather your props of the season and see what you can create to bring your own mantel to life.<br /><br />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>gives formulas for decorating mantels, as well as guidelines for arranging furniture, choosing paint colors, and all the other decisions you'll make to stage your own home.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i951.photobucket.com/albums/ad351/2painters/1-P1010620.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://i951.photobucket.com/albums/ad351/2painters/1-P1010620.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div>

The ABC's of Staging a Seasonal Mantel

A mantel that's decorated for the season gives a message to buyers that your home is getting the attention it deserves. And a little att...

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Ikea Hack - Gold Frames

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJWZrNXh35Kou-0SQBDkW_JSoPH3eDRaBtawMoY4Di4mKmHEw2eNxQ1Z2ueMiS8EsHsUekviBby5yA530LBmqk92cHXhMkLSgQBIHc4qeLDWS6yfeMUQ7ZSO9wxR5m3vI_5eyOJmNYuUam/s1600/art.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJWZrNXh35Kou-0SQBDkW_JSoPH3eDRaBtawMoY4Di4mKmHEw2eNxQ1Z2ueMiS8EsHsUekviBby5yA530LBmqk92cHXhMkLSgQBIHc4qeLDWS6yfeMUQ7ZSO9wxR5m3vI_5eyOJmNYuUam/s1600/art.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Happy weekend. Since I just showed you my trick of how to get the best looking gold frames, here is a post that will give you some inspiration using Ikea. First of all I <em>love</em> Ikea frames - they are economical and are offered in a variety of interesting sizes so you can create interesting displays on your wall. I'm regularly hacking Ikea frames. (<a href="http://aubreyandlindsay.blogspot.ca/2011/05/ikea-frame-hack-inspired-by-sarah.html" target="_blank">Remember this piece?)</a> Above is an example of my latest DIY project, turning an Ikea frame to be a gold shadow box with modern art. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><strong>Step 1:</strong> Start with this Shadow Box Frame from Ikea</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI3_arDH3U9NvqTZbEhTjTG02vGgmepgNrYvDY0-5u014IWcXvfqAi0xNC3LUagYIwN4HPJ9ujft6lJj4pzb2Ue0Rkbs8E3UDwNTEMzsUhpvx754u1l9IMfNtY8Ex7jJkUv-g37kp_49Zu/s1600/art_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI3_arDH3U9NvqTZbEhTjTG02vGgmepgNrYvDY0-5u014IWcXvfqAi0xNC3LUagYIwN4HPJ9ujft6lJj4pzb2Ue0Rkbs8E3UDwNTEMzsUhpvx754u1l9IMfNtY8Ex7jJkUv-g37kp_49Zu/s1600/art_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI3_arDH3U9NvqTZbEhTjTG02vGgmepgNrYvDY0-5u014IWcXvfqAi0xNC3LUagYIwN4HPJ9ujft6lJj4pzb2Ue0Rkbs8E3UDwNTEMzsUhpvx754u1l9IMfNtY8Ex7jJkUv-g37kp_49Zu/s1600/art_2.jpg" /><br /><br /><a name="more"></a><br /></a><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLDoJGMnOypN7MvVZsHJo8ko1vo9iDUXnsjmgFZ-L7R9WlNsYki4YdZ-IxENdRN6qTYUM4-4RzCotfRZgDZj8XmYz-tuQnpVLCX2B2mF64RK-GmUdh7L4Xksn2oZAJO_u9s1MaioZbL2Q-/s1600/art_3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLDoJGMnOypN7MvVZsHJo8ko1vo9iDUXnsjmgFZ-L7R9WlNsYki4YdZ-IxENdRN6qTYUM4-4RzCotfRZgDZj8XmYz-tuQnpVLCX2B2mF64RK-GmUdh7L4Xksn2oZAJO_u9s1MaioZbL2Q-/s1600/art_3.jpg" /></a></div><br /><strong>Step 2:</strong> The frame is three parts. <strong>[1]</strong> The frame <strong>[2]</strong> The shadow box insert and<strong> [3]</strong> matting. Paint the frame gold. <a href="http://aubreyandlindsay.blogspot.ca/2012/09/making-gold-frames.html" target="_blank">See my tutorial here</a>. Spray paint the shadow box insert (#2) black and you can leave the matting white, in the photo above I experimented with spray painting it black - which worked, but wasn't the look went with for the end project. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCAwyPLqpCR_hFb2JmOcFjoftSMXYY7ZeTo9avXa6UErrcVEmowrtOKJaHCgVAMSAItoVZ_FPWcH9TZ7bACeEeBhVzopi4RzXmpEpBDmGPJ4jfklXZ_HZeX7iETR0VaxFqBpWwEyR96s6D/s1600/art_4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCAwyPLqpCR_hFb2JmOcFjoftSMXYY7ZeTo9avXa6UErrcVEmowrtOKJaHCgVAMSAItoVZ_FPWcH9TZ7bACeEeBhVzopi4RzXmpEpBDmGPJ4jfklXZ_HZeX7iETR0VaxFqBpWwEyR96s6D/s1600/art_4.jpg" /></a></div><strong></strong><br /><strong>Step 3</strong><em>:</em> For the art, I had left over paint swatches that I loved, and simply put them behind the matting... creating some mod art. Just collect swatch colours you like and start arranging them behind the matting - occasionally flipping over the mating to see how your arrangement looks. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0iP3fnjIqTHynOkQXGq3Xy2jgSWMiuUBdF1YVIzsGcMoTo67gbtYpv9_rS5gXO_p1mnqquisFEBbQvelaZulD3IH5no70pi1smZEXbICll0uk1KRsSTSY5dMwf7x7rCyjs7BiIVEDOXkR/s1600/art_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0iP3fnjIqTHynOkQXGq3Xy2jgSWMiuUBdF1YVIzsGcMoTo67gbtYpv9_rS5gXO_p1mnqquisFEBbQvelaZulD3IH5no70pi1smZEXbICll0uk1KRsSTSY5dMwf7x7rCyjs7BiIVEDOXkR/s1600/art_1.jpg" /></a></div><br />That's it! I think it's a pretty good Ikea hack. Living room is still coming together...  :)<br />xo Linds

Ikea Hack - Gold Frames

Happy weekend. Since I just showed you my trick of how to get the best looking gold frames, here is a post that will give you some inspirati...

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living room updates

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg8arps-X9ZmIn89fregBl6_1MO1R8p_VmTHwCHEg5j_2MKvKJUtYSKwmVH9hjiPIpjqfiTAESA07I7NC24cQoRHQFOflWqAk9RPqBjAdbVLYzy9yci3TA3dydJRW2XNk1YU9WP_6_xb0i/s1600/IMG_6934.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg8arps-X9ZmIn89fregBl6_1MO1R8p_VmTHwCHEg5j_2MKvKJUtYSKwmVH9hjiPIpjqfiTAESA07I7NC24cQoRHQFOflWqAk9RPqBjAdbVLYzy9yci3TA3dydJRW2XNk1YU9WP_6_xb0i/s1600/IMG_6934.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPP0TZtswLjnnyBggzmeQDLJxCLMlQiONEfjOCKdapMb5h-vfeZ0zOhasg-QVSEWz2tkS-K-7S90QtMt-kRtIYQf-iNyFJZiVuUR6PtoYxlZsEGuUAw6ix7HwEhmNhBFBQsqQ41C0pxKTt/s1600/Page+4.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPP0TZtswLjnnyBggzmeQDLJxCLMlQiONEfjOCKdapMb5h-vfeZ0zOhasg-QVSEWz2tkS-K-7S90QtMt-kRtIYQf-iNyFJZiVuUR6PtoYxlZsEGuUAw6ix7HwEhmNhBFBQsqQ41C0pxKTt/s1600/Page+4.gif" /></a></div><br />I made some major progress on decorating the <a href="http://aubreyandlindsay.blogspot.ca/search/label/Living%20Room">living room</a>. Although I still have a ways to go before I can do a full "Before & After" -- I feel like this room has found its groove. Between adding a new area carpet, hanging some art, and a new blank canvas (that is going to be painted to <a href="http://aubreyandlindsay.blogspot.ca/2012/05/lost-in-sea-of-boxes-selling-my-art.html" target="_blank">replace my old painting</a>) things are finally finding homes, and the room is feeling warm and cozy. <br /><br />The biggest investment in the update was the rug. A decision, and a search that has taken 3+ years.  Why did it take me so long to decide on a rug? Our room is an awkward size and standard rug sizes meant I was either getting one that was too small, or too large. After measuring the perfect size it turned out we needed essentially a 9ft x 9.5ft carpet and after 3+ years came to the conclusion we just needed to go custom. Custom always terrifies me because it can't be returned. (and is generally more expensive)<br /><br />Because I'm a creature of habit,  I picked <a href="http://aubreyandlindsay.blogspot.ca/2011/03/new-stair-runner-preppy-stripe.html" target="_blank">the exact same stripe wool carpet that is on our stairs</a>. It's <em>perfect</em>. It's not inexpensive but it can come with us should we move, and it can be cut and bound to a new size in another house - which means it has a longer life span. I also picked it because of the durability. Within 24 hours of having it, Mak (the Cat) barfed on it. Because it is wool it cleaned up easily (<a href="http://aubreyandlindsay.blogspot.ca/2012/07/review-bissell-deluxe-deep-cleaner.html">but it also helped that I had this</a>).  The stripes mean that it has some style, but is classic and doesn't compete against everything else in the room. <br /><br />The artwork is a mix, which I will go into another day - but I just wanted to post the updates. <br /><br />xo Linds<br /><br /><em>Ps., The gallery wall hanging took me 4 hours. I'm not kidding you. It was the most stressful experience of decorating to date. </em><br /><em>Pps., Yes - the blank canvas is resting on water glasses. I did this to envision placement of art. Don't judge.</em> <br /><br />

living room updates

I made some major progress on decorating the living room . Although I still have a ways to go before I can do a full "Before & Afte...

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The Stars Align When You Sprinkle in Some Bling

<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="https://s3.amazonaws.com/obaz.production/uploads/product_image/image/4937/xlarge_img76o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/obaz.production/uploads/product_image/image/4937/xlarge_img76o.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td></tr></tbody></table><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i951.photobucket.com/albums/ad351/2painters/1-mercuryglass.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://i951.photobucket.com/albums/ad351/2painters/1-mercuryglass.jpg" width="325" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: small;">Aren't these contemporary Mercury glass vessels<br />from <a href="http://www.westelm.com/products/mercury-glass-cityscape-vases-c459/" target="_blank">West Elm</a> to die for? Here's my choice of the<br />best tutorial for <a href="http://lovelylittledetails.com/2011/04/07/guest-post-diy-mercury-glass-tutorial-kelley-maria/" target="_blank">hacking the Mercury glass look</a>.</span></i></td></tr></tbody></table>Recently I blogged about decorators' best tips for home staging.<br /><br />This week I want to focus on just one of those: Using shine to bring a room to life.<br /><br />Here are my favorite sources for the kind of bling I am taking about.<br /><ul><li>Mirrors</li><li>Crystal and clear glass</li><li>Lucite and acrylic</li><li>Glass</li><li>Silver</li><li>Brass</li><li>Nickle</li><li>Chrome</li><li>Sequins, rhinestones, beads and other embellishments</li><li>Mercury glass</li><li>Glossy plastic and vinyl </li><li>Stainless steel</li></ul>You probably already own some of the bright objects listed here. Your assignment this week, if you will allow me, is to locate at least one large glistening item in each room.<br /><br />Bathrooms and kitchens will be an easy place to start your assignment. Stainless appliances and ceramic fixtures quality. Glassware is a natural in these rooms. I'm picturing a large clean glass bowl of lemons in the kitchen, and apothecary jars of spa goodies in the bath.<br /><br /><b><span style="font-size: large;">Bring on the Bevel</span></b><br /><br />My favorite way to make a room glisten is to add mirrors. At least one per room. Large or small, depending.  And my favorite mirrors are bevelled mirrors. Heck, you can pick up a 30 x 30-inch <a href="http://www.homedepot.com/Decor-Wall-Decor-Mirrors/h_d1/N-5yc1vZbve6/R-203024519/h_d2/ProductDisplay?catalogId=10053&langId=-1&storeId=10051#.UDE_rKmPWNo" target="_blank">sunburst mirror at Home Depot </a>for about $35, or a 36 x 30-inch <a href="http://www.lowes.com/pd_308323-20531-72272_4294856763__?productId=3468697&Ns=p_product_qty_sales_dollar|1" target="_blank">wide-framed mirror from Lowe's </a>for $60. That's alot of bling for the buck.<br /><br />Along the same lines, glass-covered prints in mirrored frames add serious wow to any room. I see these in vintage styles as well as sleek, contemporary styles.<br /><br /><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.houzz.com/photos/421752/Pleasant-Valley-contemporary-family-room-little-rock" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://st.houzz.com/simages/421752_0_8-3360-contemporary-family-room.jpg" /></a></div></div><div style="color: #444444;"><div style="text-align: center;"><small><span style="font-size: small;"><i><br /></i></span></small></div><div style="text-align: center;"><small><span style="font-size: small;"><i>These botanical images take on a modern vibe when they're placed in mirrored frames. </i></span></small></div><div style="text-align: center;"><small><span style="font-size: small;"><i>This <a href="http://www.houzz.com/photos/contemporary/family-room" style="color: #444444; text-decoration: none;">contemporary family room was design</a>ed by <a href="http://www.houzz.com/professionals/interior-designer/little-rock" style="color: #444444; text-decoration: none;">Little Rock interior designer</a> <a href="http://www.houzz.com/pro/tobifairley/tobi-fairley-interior-design" style="color: #444444; text-decoration: none;">Tobi Fairley.  </a></i></span></small></div><small><br /></small></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://www.digsdigs.com/photos/inspiring-chandeliers-17.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://www.digsdigs.com/photos/inspiring-chandeliers-17.jpg" width="499" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: center;"><i>The bathroom chandelier, done right! There's lots of hard surfaces in this room -- </i></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>the tub, floor, window, tin backsplash, </i><i>chrome faucet, and glass vases, </i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>that the wooden fireplace surround </i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>and door are a welcome counterpoint. Photo: DigsDigs.com</i></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://images.meredith.com/content/dam/bhg/Images/2012/05/15/101422259.jpg.rendition.largest.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://images.meredith.com/content/dam/bhg/Images/2012/05/15/101422259.jpg.rendition.largest.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i><br /></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Stainless appliances are still popular. Whatever your opinion of stainless, </i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>it does add gleaming surfaces </i><i>to a kitchen, and in a dark or otherwise </i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>slightly </i><i>dated kitchen, that's a plus. Photo: BHG</i><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><i><br /></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://images.meredith.com/content/dam/bhg/Images/2012/07/20/101811684.jpg.rendition.largest.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://images.meredith.com/content/dam/bhg/Images/2012/07/20/101811684.jpg.rendition.largest.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i><br /></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>A glass topped table and some clear seats almost disappear except for the shine </i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>they bring to the eat-in nook. Chrome legs are sexy. No? Photo: BHG</i><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><i><br /></i></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://cdn.decorpad.com/photos/2012/05/27/24685a25cb6e.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://cdn.decorpad.com/photos/2012/05/27/24685a25cb6e.jpg" width="467" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></i> <i><span style="font-size: small;">A chandelier is the ultimate bling thing. Look for a place where a fancy<br />light fixture might be a surprise, like a closet or bath. Photo: Traditional Home</span></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://cdn.decorpad.com/photos/2012/08/30/a0d37705c0dd.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://cdn.decorpad.com/photos/2012/08/30/a0d37705c0dd.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i><br /></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>This bedroom by Sarah Richardson is layered with subtle shine: the glass door knob, </i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>ceramic lamp base, lacquered nightstand, mirror over the bed, nailhead trim </i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>on the headboard, a metallic vase, and some pillow textiles with sheen. </i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://cdn.decorpad.com/photos/2008/04/15/71b28fea8534.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="506" src="http://cdn.decorpad.com/photos/2008/04/15/71b28fea8534.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>A patent leather headboard like this one is going to make a bed the </i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>focal point of any room. </i><i>This House Beautiful bedroom also features </i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>a mirror over </i><i>the headboard and some metallic Buddha lamps. </i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></div><div style="text-align: left;">Do your homework. Hunt your home for sources of shine. Make them part of your staging mix. And don't forget that the existing fixtures you have in your house -- the chrome faucets, the ceramic lamps, the bathroom mirrors, the stainless appliances  -- should sparkle because you've cleaned and polished them. Do these things, and your home on the market will outshine the competition. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />Do you need more advice, inspiration and formulas for beautifully staging your home on the market? You need 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 an instantly downloadable, 150+ page pdf guide to home staging, for only $5! You can't afford to e without it, and I guarantee you'll  be pleased or I will refund your money. <br />   </div></div></div></div>

The Stars Align When You Sprinkle in Some Bling

Aren't these contemporary Mercury glass vessels from West Elm  to die for? Here's my choice of the best tutorial for hacking the Mer...

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