Picture
While watching my local news this morning, there was an excellent feature on how professional home staging helped close sales in dwellings throughout New York City.  Most prospective buyers have trouble picturing how the apartment will look fully furnished.  And, for more upscale buildings, basic staging is not enough to set an apartment enough from the competition. 
If you're a realtor or a homeowner who wants to close their listing quickly, contact me here to set up an appointment.  
Add Comment
 
 
Picture
Monet bridge outside "Rats" restaurant
I recently visited Grounds for Sculpture in nearby Hamilton, NJ for an afternoon of interesting sights, tasty food and some very loud peacocks.
Add Comment
 
 
Picture
I've mentioned before that rebranding is one of the hardest things for a company (or person) to do.  Street cred is pretty tough to come by.  When a brand gets stale, there's generally a shake up at the top to get a new message out there. 
Add Comment
 
 
Picture
In the latest round, design and home improvement professionals contributed their thoughts on the best ways to have a successful working relationship with their clients.  If you (or someone you know) is planning to have any kind of work done on their home, this is a must read.  Actually, it's a good read if you're planning to hire any service professional from a hairdresser to a personal trainer to an income tax preparer--though obviously not every tip will apply.   
Add Comment
 
 
Picture
I'm looking for advice on shag rugs. Best material? (I'm leaning towards cotton, for the baby) Good manufacturer? Easiest to clean?

Your best bet for a shag is actually something made of a synthetic material-nylon (in a lighter color, darker nylon fades faster) or polypropylene. They're going to be the most stain resistant to the things you'll probably have to worry about-juice, snacks etc. Two good sources for well-priced and attractive rugs are overstock.com and rugsdirect.com. Check retailmenot.com for coupon codes for the rugs direct site. If you decide to go the carpet tile route (now or whenever), flor.com has options.
Add Comment
 
Get the look 02/26/2011
 
Picture
I had mentioned in a previous post about a great look book received in the mail when Ralph Lauren opened up his new flagship on the Upper East Side.  I still refer to it for inspriation because it offers something a little different.  Right now, I'm seeing interior design that's either too rustic or too slick--which doesn't suit everyone.
Pictured left is a presentation I pulled together with some designers at the day job.  It's a traditional Tudor home and, as always, it makes sense to work with the architecture.  Some keys to achieving a sort of Ralph Lauren inspired hunting look are: tobacco colored leather, wool (note the red pillow with leather trim and the cream throw), plaid, antique brass, equestrian accents and nailhead.  Don't just look to home magazines for interior design inspriation, fashion magazines and store windows have a lot to offer, too!
Add Comment
 
 
Picture
I was featured yesterday in an article on Fabulous Living. It's a great website that gives readers tips on where to shop, ideas to try and overall information on ways to live a more fabulous lifestyle.  You can check out my article here.
1 Comment
 
 
Here's some updated information from the Elocal expert panel that particpated in that highlights some of the trends for 2011.  You can click through to find a graphic with more information.
Add Comment
 
 
Picture
Chinois console table, $179
It's time once again for one of my very favorite games.  Too often, as I browse through blogs and magazines, I keep seeing the same pieces used again and again.  And they're often priced out of most people's budgets.  But oh, how I love to see a really great piece of furniture or an accessory from a source that I would have never imagined.  I was reading through Camilla's blog when I came across an entry that proved rather enlightening.
Add Comment
 
 
Picture
I am so excited to be a part of the special series that gathers together professionals in several areas of home improvement and design to discuss current trends.  This particular series is so great because it brings together contractors and designers--2 groups that communicate surprisingly little given how much they work together.  According to their business development department, "this series (called the "Blog-Off" series)  is for our network of sites and brings together bloggers and professionals in the contracting, green and interior design space to discuss various home improvement related topics. It's a way for bloggers and professionals to network, demonstrate their expertise, reach a new audience, and let their current followers see the extent of their reach in their field.
 
It's still early on, but I'll keep you posted with any great information or ideas from the other participants.
Add Comment