ladybugs !!!

As you know, the ladybug is part of my logo. This beautiful little bug is also well recognized as a symbol of good luck.

When I looked out my patio door this morning, I noticed there were hundreds of ladybugs perched upon it. I realize they're probably everywhere at this time of year, but I'm going to take this as a sign ... they were sent to tell me that my business will now flourish and grow. I certainly will have more time to devote to my own marketing efforts now that my term as President of the CRDA is up, and my future involvement will be much less than the past four years.

ReDesign Tips for "Do-it-Yourself" Success

Patterned sofa cushions? Flip them over if the other side is solid. It makes a huge difference and will allow you to incorporate different accent colours / patterns.

Have a combined living / dining room? Switch sides. If the dining room light fixture is suspended, change to a low profile model to illuminate the "new" living room side and then use wall sconces and table lanterns for dining.

Switch lamps or lampshades, using others in the house. You may be pleasantly surprised with a burst of colour or shades that allow more light to shine through.

Remove all artwork and re-group by theme for more impact.

Remove your area rug, especially if it is too small. Your room will feel much bigger - guaranteed.

Re-arrange the books and accessories on your bookshelf by colour. You may come up with an interesting zig-zag pattern.

Minimize your accessories, opting for the larger pieces. Remember that "less is more" and keep only what you truly love.

Above all, don't be afraid to experiment with different groupings of furniture, art or accessories.

Summer Staging Tips

Well summer has officially arrived and in the GTA it's been very HOT. I'm not complaining ... this warm weather was long overdue and much anticipated. But no matter what the conditions, you can always hear someone commenting on the weather.

When selling your home at this time of year, you want to ensure that the inside temperature is comfortable. Not too frosty please ! Most people will be dressed for the heat and will simply shiver indoors, causing them not to linger.

Many people keep the blinds down and draperies drawn in an attempt to keep out the heat. However, when showing your home to potential buyers, this tactic will make the home feel dark, drab and dingy. Let the sun shine in to brighten each room.

If you have a woodburning fireplace, disguise the unused opening with a decorative screen or large plant so buyers aren't staring into a gaping, soot-filled hole.

We hope that all seasonal decor has been put away by this time - don't forget those holiday cushions and the fuzzy red throw. Summerize your decor with crisp linen and fresh flowers. Swap the dusty pinecones for shells or rocks.

Want to create that beach house feel in your home? Read more tips HERE

HGTV Myths and the Reality of Staging Your Home

Recently a U.S. staging colleague wrote an excellent blog piece to educate homeowners on the REALITIES of home staging. Remember that all the drama and excitement of home decor, staging and reno shows on HGTV are geared to creating "good TV" and do not, in fact, represent what really happens.

Read more HERE

I saw something today that made me smile ...

... a home owner painting his garage doors. Big deal, you say? Ahhh, but you should see the crazy colors on this particular street. Thankfully, he had chosen a beautiful blue / gray shade that complemented the brick tone perfectly. Could he have had professional help? I'm not sure but was glad to see a normal color among the lime green and sunshine yellow and yes ... even hot pink ... of the neighboring homes.

When choosing a color for garage doors, people should look to the "Heritage" pallett or "Traditional" tones rather than buying what was on sale or left over from the baby's room.

Anyway, this has long been a pet peeve of mine. So now I got it off my chest ... and it made me smile to see that someone had some common sense.

(More on this topic coming soon, including colour suggestions and helpful tips)

YWCA - Skilled Trades Presentation

I was invited to speak at the YWCA Niagara Region on May 20th (along with several other dynamic women). The event was a Skilled Trades Career Exploration Information / Inspiration Session. Tricia Graves, Job Developer at the YWCA pulled together a fabulous event for women in transition - searching for a new career avenue.

My fellow speakers included friend and colleague, Sandra MacLennan; Laura Page of Painted Black; Marissa McTasney of Moxie Trades; Nicole LeClair a Welder / Fitter; Mary Catherine Zwambag - a "Do It Herself" home renovator; Karen Hatcher of Kennedy Electric and Cabling; and Linda Just who specializes in General Carpentry.

While we don't generally think of redesign and staging as a "skilled trade" I do carry a hefty toolbox and know how to swing a hammer :)

Here is "my story" which was well received and hopefully helped to inspire someone.

___________________

A FRESH NEW START - FOR YOU AND EVERY ROOM YOU SEE

Do you have the passion for a career in redesign?

I was tired of the same old routine ... tired of the commute ... and the long hours, and the unrewarding job. I was longing for something different. Something for me. And then it happened (in retrospect the best thing that ever happened !!) ... I was "downsized" from my job. The timing was perfect to start fresh. Does this sound familiar? Has this happened to YOU?

I'd always been good at making do with what I had and was frequently re-arranging the rooms in my home. Friends and family marvelled at the results. And then I learned ... there is a name for this affliction ... REDESIGN. And the best part was ... I didn't need to go back to school for 2 or 3 years to get a diploma.

It was then I learned of Val Sharp and the Canadian ReDesigners Association. Val is the Founder and past president of CRDA. She taught a 5 day course and would be doing so in Toronto that June (this was back in the spring of 2004). I was so excited I called her up immediately to register. It just felt right.

When I think back to my childhood passions - I wasn't one to play with dolls and tea sets. I got my kicks from playing with lego - building little houses and roadways in the sandbox. I'd spend hours and hours drawing floor plans complete with furniture and tiny details - colouring it all in neatly with my pencil crayons until my fingers were sore. I'd be "staging" my bookshelves, arranging accessories ... and could tell in an instant if something had been moved from its "proper place". I'd re-arrange my bedroom often. In fact, I think it is an inherited trait. My mom used to move the furniture around on a regular basis - and at the age of 82 she still does !! My dad had a different idea though - he started crafting built-in dressers, bed frames, bookshelves and window seats ... essentially nailing everything down ! Guess he got tired of walking into furniture that ended up in new and different locations.

But using what you have in a different way can greatly improve, enhance and transform a room. This type of service is becoming increasingly popular because people don't want to spend a lot of money on new purchases - they generally like what they have. But their challenge lies in not being objective about their space or their possessions. If you can create a functional AND beautiful room while incorporating a homeowner's quirky collections and eclectic possessions, this is the right path for you.

My background in marketing helped me promote my business effectively. I still have long hours most days but truly enjoy what I do. Seems like I traded 9 to 5 for 24 / 7 but it suits me fine and I'm very proud of all my small successes along the way.

REDESIGN as seen on Oprah !

Some love her, some don't. But whatever Oprah talks about creates a BUZZ. If you missed the show on April 27th, click HERE

This episode featured the lovable designer, Nate Berkus, and his challenge to REDESIGN the homes of several families USING ONLY WHAT THEY HAD! Now, those of us in this particular design niche already know that it IS possible to make a significant and sometimes dramatic change on a limited budget.

So thank you, Oprah and Nate for bringing REDESIGN front and centre.

EARTH DAY 2009

It's been 40 years since "Earth Day" was officially marked and recognized, but it seems that economic difficulties get in the way of greening the planet. What saddens me most is the littering of our beautiful countryside, specifically those darn coffee cups! But that's another RANT for another day.

Let's do something positive to celebrate our surroundings on this EARTH DAY. Certainly the rain will make the grass GREEN :)