“Warm colors are said to advance or appear more active in a painting, while cool colors tend to recede; used in interior design or fashion, warm colors are said to arouse or stimulate the viewer, while cool colors calm and relax. “

Color Theory

 Home Stagers have a lot of experience working with neutral tones: such as tan. When talking about tradition interior design using warm and cool color pairings, this neutral tone needs special consideration.

Tan is a unique color, it combines the warm tones of brown with the cool tones of white. Because of this it can read as either cool or warm depending on the accent colors used with it. Since tan is also a neutral tone (and us stagers love our neutrals), it is important to anchor it to a strong accent color. In the case of a recent staging I did on 5930 SE Lafayette St, Portland OR, I used blue (which is one of my favorite colors to pair with this tone tan) as the secondary color in the staging. 

There were some basic errors being made. You can see how the flat screen was competing with the fireplace over what the focal point of the room was, and the placement of the furniture wasn’t directing attention to the living rooms’ highlights.

I used the rug to create a visual path for the potential buyer, a diagonal line that draws their gaze back to the fireplace. The furniture creates a frame around this focal point as well. I also worked to showcase the bright and airy feel of the room by drawing attention to the multiple windows.

I’ll post some more pics from this staging next week, can’t wait to share this wonderful home with you guys : )

Spring is here, which means so are the birds and budding plants. It’s time to go for a walk, plant some seeds, read a good book outside, open the windows and let in a breeze, and….it’s also time for some spring cleaning.

So, here is a quick recipe for a green clean (for those so inclined):

General Cleaner:

½ cup vinegar

¼ cup baking soda

1/8 cup lemon juice

2.5 liters water

White Vinegar – is a natural deodorizer and just acidic enough to eat through dirt, grease and soup residue.

Baking Soda – also a deodorizer, mildly abrasive and softens water

Lemon Juice – removes rust, shines aluminum, cuts grease, and smells wonderful

There are many easy variations on cleaning with just these three ingredients, all are wonderfully toxic free, inexpensive, and healthy for your home. Happy Spring everyone : )

Quick Tip #4

Must of us are surrounded by at least a little organized chaos. That’s the way some of us live our lives, and it’s easy to see it in our homes. Unfortunately, the line of “lived in cozy” can quickly cross over into the hazardous territory of clutter.

Sometimes it’s hard for use to step back and see it. The stacks of paper on the desk you meant to file a few weeks ago. The books sitting near the bookcase because you have just a few too many to all fit. The unmarked box you never got around to unpacking from when you first moved in. Should I go on? We all have some clutter and since it’s a part of our every day we stop really seeing it. But a potential buyer definitely will.

So, pack up a little of that excess. Start donating or throwing away what you don’t need. Clutter makes a room feel small, and draws attention to the tiny details of who the seller is, and not all those wonderful details of the home the buyer is looking at.

Quick Tip #3

It might seem counter intuitive, but a “Generic” home will actually be far more appealing to a potential buyer. Why? Because the personal items in your home can turn off someone who has different interests then you. A room void of your personal hobbies allows the buyer to imagine it as their home: full of all the things they love and enjoy.

So, box up your collection of vintage Precious Moments figurines or all that sports paraphernalia filling your Family Room. It’s the start of the New Year,so why not  let it also  be the start of your soon to sell newly generic  home.

-Happy New Year!

Quick Tip #2

Rooms that are dimly lit appear small and dingy. A well lit room shows you have nothing to hide. It’s amazing how a little light changes the whole atmosphere of a room. So, turn on those strategically placed lamps and open your curtains to let in natural light. Not only will you brighten up your room, you will brighten up the moods of your potential buyers.

When getting your house ready for the real estate market all bath and kitchen surfaces should sparkle. Try using a grout pen. They are available at most home improvement stores. Simply use the pen over all grout surfaces after they have been clean and your grout will look as good as new! They are available in different colors to match most grout surfaces.