Picture Perfect!

Picture this (no pun intended). You have all your family photos all over your walls. In the family room and going all the way up the stairs to the next floor. But they are all in those collage type photo frames...a bit predictable. Some can look cheap and flimsy. I always say "each photo should have it's own frame". Each photo is special and most likely of different things so why not show case them individually. You can still group them together but in clusters not in one frame. Don't limit yourself to having all the exact same frames or shapes. You can pick a colour, say espresso, gold or antique white and get a few with the same designs or mix it up. Same theme but with different detailing, maybe some 4x6 or 5x7. Depending on the photo, you can hang them horizontal or diagonal. Always at eye level (on average for someone about 5'7. Space them equally to get a clean organized feel. Once you come to a point where you know you have enough, stand back and take it all in. What a great way to enjoy your personal memories. For more info on this decorating concept...email me! When adding multiple frames why going up the stairs to the next floor, go big or go home...wait it's your home hmm. Well you know what I mean. Size the frames in an 8x10 frame even if your photo is not that large. You can always find inexpensive matting that's large or wide and get the matting in the same colour (cream, white...) and it will give your pictures a great gallery feel.

Kids' Corner!

All children should have a designated area in their room where they can feel like it's their space. Something to call their own. This will not only allow them to concentrate on their activity, but mom & dad will be happy that their art, toys and reading will be contained to one area. I also would like to see more "lower shelves" used in children's rooms. I find that most people install common book shelves but as you know children are curious and, especially boys, love to climb. This can pose a dangerous situation if parents are not careful. I found that inexpensive single shelving, like the ones sold at Ikea, can be layed across the floor and baskets can be added for small toys or art supplies. These shelves are stackable and so adding (up) as your child grows is not only safer but practical for your child. They can reach their items and they can start learning how to put their own toys away. If they're toddlers and they want to get their toys or books, they can do so as the shelves start on the floor. One row and work your way up as they grow. I also love the idea of stacking 2 rows (one on top of the other) along an entire wall. Also, if the shelves come in shorter sizes you can get one shorter shelf and place it on top of a longer shelf. This will leave a space at the end of a "one row" shelf on the floor and your child can sit and read (if placed just below a window). Include a flat pillow and you have an instant seat! Play with the placement and heights but remember a tiny child doesn't want to be overpowered by furniture. When they are much older just stack the shelves upright and side by side. Or one on either side of their desk for school text books and/or files and assignments. Be creative - don't forget to get your child involved. Let them enjoy THEIR KIDS' CORNER!!!

Pillow Talk

Spring is around the corner and I know you’re itching to restyle your home. Even if it’s just one room. You want something updated, something fresh and definitely something new. I will give you some “inside tips" on how you can restyle your family room, living room or bedrooms with just the change of a PILLOW (or 2 or 3 …). You get the idea. Winter is passing (thank goodness), and you feel your home looks BLAH. You don’t have to spend hundreds of dollars getting new furniture, painting or changing all your portraits and vases. Just your pillows!!! Trust me, what a difference it will make. Pillows are like a center piece on a fabulous dining table or sprinkles on a delicious cupcake or nail polish on your fantastic newly manicured nails. They can bring your sofas from BORING...to INTERESTING! The current state of your sofa may be great, but adding a few new pillows can really bring out that 'statement' you’re trying to make. Plus they’re always comfy when you’re watching T.V. I know of people who buy “seasonal pillows”. Can you believe that? They have their Spring Pillows, Summer Pillows, Fall Pillows and yes...Winter Pillows. Although their spaces always look updated, do you really want to spend about $30 per pillow, you'll need about 4-6 pillows and for all 4 season? You also may not have the storage space to keep these pillows during the change of each new season. So, what do you do? My best advice to you…wait for it…know someone who loves to sew or maybe you can get to know the nice lady at the fabric store? Ask what it would cost to have your pillows “covered” with new fabric? THAT'S IT...I know you’re loving it. So you have your original pillows and a couple of times a year you squeeze them into a new pillow cover – bam!!! They look like new and depending on how creative you are NEW and FABULOUS!!! The fabric store has endless possibilities. Add new BUTTONS, new RIBBON, some new TASSLES or BEADS. You name it…they have it. Get your kids involved if the pillows are for them. Your son may want Sports, Boats or Dinosaur buttons. You’re little princess may like Flowers, Butterflies or Ladybug buttons. YOU may love sparkly or shiny buttons to GLAM up your space. Add some elegant tassels on the corners of your new pillow cases. Whatever your style, if the fabric and colour are new then your pillows are already looking great. Adding some of those inexpensive touches just brings YOUR STYLE to LIFE. I hope this “pillow talk” helped! Let me know how it goes for you, send me a note at: http://twitter.com/FrancescaSWE

CURTAIN CALL...

Stuck with what to do about window coverings? I know how that feels. When I moved into my home I had no idea what I wanted for my window treatments. Blinds, Curtains, Shades or nothing at all. Well, I opted for blinds and curtains. The blinds give a great option to allow the light shine through during the day and for more privacy at night. Although that wasn't enough. I wanted softness, elegance and texture. So I simply searched for ready-made curtain tabs (not expensive at all). Selecting the same colour as my silk pillows. I hung a dark wooden curtain rod 'in front' of my Bay Window to add more drama. The blinds are fitted right into the window frames allowing a more custom look and the curtains, always remaining drawn to the sides, makes the room feel more "complete" and more sophisticated without seeming overdone. So, know what colour you want, what style and where you want your curtains or blinds to run. Then simply go out and look for something that will satisfy all your "images in your mind" and get "that look". You can surely go custom or DIY and try to achieve the same look. You'd be surprised how many people thought my curtains were hung by a Custom Curtain Supplier. I hope my Curtain Tip helps. Adding elegance doesn't have to be expensive. So many great ways to dress up your windows and get everything you need and want. Flexibility, privacy, light, elegance and drama...who doesn't love a little drama!!

Are you SPACIOUSLY CHALLENGED!!!

Let me help you with that. Sometimes you enter a room in your home and think to yourself "what can I do to make this space better"? Then after a few minutes you get overwhelmed and leave the room, shut the door and hope it all goes away (magically). I know how you feel and sometimes you just need a PLAN and some TIME and you're on your way. If you can WRITE DOWN what you want out of the space you're trying to organize, that will help you figure out what you need to get you started. Do you want a sitting room, office space, scrap booking area, play room for your child? No matter what the use of the space you need to PURGE. Everything must have a place.

~Get yourself some storage containers (clear is best) ~labels/marker ~garbage bags

Decide if you want to:

~KEEP all this stuff

~DONATE some

~TRASH some

It's really that simple. I know you want to keep everything. But really, some older items can be DONATED and you not only make more space in your room, but you'll feel good about GIVING to others. The old, dingy, 'good-for-absolutely-nothing' items can be TRASHED. If you didn't know these items have been sitting there for more that 6 months are you really going to miss them? The items you need, and use often, can go into your KEEP pile. Once you've contained the space, GET RID of the bags OUT OF SIGHT, OUT OF MIND.

~ your trash bag(s)...to the curb

~ your donate (good for you) bag(s)...in the garage until you have them picked up

You'll notice half the battle is complete. Now for your KEEP pile. These should really be things you need and use most often. Separate those into smaller piles. At this point your floor should be visible again (alleluia) and you can sit and decide on where you want these items. On a shelf in plain view, in a labelled box or basket for when you may need it and for easy access or in a closet for future use. Now you are on your way to having your reading room, play room or office/scrap booking area all pretty and organized again.

*An organized home is an organized life and mind*

How great will you feel to add another functional room to your home that was once a dumping ground. You just have to WANT IT!!!

If you need some professional tips please contact me: http://www.stagedwithelegance.com/

Shopping...every woman's greatest love (besides diamonds)

Hello ladies. Just wanted to update you on some great shopping tips... Have you ever been in a mall or a fabulous store and you really wanted that hand bag, top, jacket...or better yet, that piece of furniture that would look great in your hallway? But you knew that you really shouldn't indulge since the price was so outrageous. Well, then don't buy it...yet. You should really know HOW to shop not just how to SPEND. There is a difference. Some people shop just so they can say they got that fabulous item and be the envy of their friends. But then suffer (financially) afterwards. Why not SHOP AROUND and SHOP SENSIBLY. Since you love shopping anyway, searching and window shopping is like a bonus. Look around at different stores in different areas (near where you live) and see which of these places has the best price. You don't necessarily have to drive all over town...use the Internet. Then once you've found the best item for the best price...GO FOR IT! Another simple way to find out where you can find your fave item ~ ASK FRIENDS. You have no idea how many times, in conversations with friends, I found "my must have item" so much less expensive just because one of my friends happened to see it while shopping herself. The feeling of buying exactly what you want and for a lower price...it's like the icing on the strawberry cheesecake covered in whip cream and drizzled with hot chocolate sauce (wow that was a little overboard : ). Some places for great buys and great prices for those "must have" items to fancy up your space are: ~ HOME SENSE ~ WINNERS ~ KITCHEN STUFF PLUS ~ IKEA ~ BED, BATH & BEYOND ~ BOMBAY(when they have a sale, watch out!) And if you know of a great place to shop for home decor and for great prices drop me a line. http://www.stagedwithelegance.com/ Happy Shopping!!

Home Staging...not sure if you want to try hiring a Stager for you home?

I just wanted you all to know that hiring a professional Home Stager doesn't have to be a difficult decision. It should be the exact opposite. Easy as pie. Why not hire someone who knows how to arrange your space, de-clutter and brighten up your home and make it fabulous? Most importantly, when you're listing your home or getting it ready for that open house. Doesn't it sound exciting to have someone else do the work for you. The results and benefits can be endless. More money for your home, have your home sold more quickly, compete with other homes in your area and get to that next step in your life. The best thing will be everyone talking about how great your place shows. Agents will want to bring their clients there, friends will tell friends and your neighbours will be talking about YOUR place and how it stands out. If you're still not sure, contact me I would love to help! http://www.stagedwithelegance.com/