Just released, these 2011 neutrals (complete with inspiring accents colours) are a hit with our Interior Designers at Accentuate Home Staging Design Group.  

These colours introduce a fresh new look at neutrals that we can all draw inspiration from as we prepare homes for SELLING and for LIVING.   Paired with touches of dynamic accent colours like Charlottes Lock No.268, Off Black No.57 or Babouche No.223 these colours are sure to add a contemporary spin to any interior…or exterior for that matter.  

	Oxford Stone No.264 Named after the stone often used in Oxfordshire village houses, this colour is perfect for creating a warm interior.
	Manor House Gray No.265 Inspired by the quintessentially English manor house, this definite grey has its roots in the 18th century but can be used to striking effect in modern schemes.
	Mizzle No.266 A soft blue grey reminiscent of a West Country evening mist. The blue will become more intense when painted in a smaller room.
	Dove Tale No.267 Named after the well known carpentry joint but with a twist in the tale! Some see this colour as a grey while to others it appears to be warmer and more stony.
	Charlotte’s Locks No.268 Highly dramatic and extremely contemporary especially when combined with Railings. Widely used as an accent colour in the minimalist decoration of the 1950s.
	Cabbage White No.269 A delightful clean colour that takes its name from the distinctive wings of the Cabbage White butterfly.
	Calluna No.270 Named after the Scottish heather, Calluna has a contemporary look but with the delicate inclusion of black, it retains a vintage feel.
	Brassica No.271 An aged, darker version of Calluna, named after the familiar purple colour often seen in the Brassica family of vegetables. This colour comes alive when combined with Calluna and Pelt.
	Plummett No.272 Named after the lead weight used to sink a fishing line, this mid-tone grey is appropriate for interior as well as exterior use as often seen in Gothic architecture.

For more details about Home Staging, Vacant Staging, Occupied Staging or Interior Design, call Accentuate Home Staging Design Group today at 604-328-6479 or visit our website at http://www.accentuate.ca/.

Pantone LLC, an X-Rite company (NASDAQ: XRIT), and the global authority on color and provider of professional color standards for the design industries has announced PANTONE® 18-2120 Honeysuckle, a vibrant, energetic hue, as the color of the year for 2011.  

At ACCENTUATE Home Staging Design Group, we LOVE this colour…for interior design and home staging projects alike.     It’s a true “statement colour” that is energizing and guaranteed to liven up any room of the house.  

Go ahead, give it a whirl….try it in the entry, in your dining room, a bedroom or bath.   Too dramatic for you?….use it to “ACCENTUATE” your rooms in smaller doses.   Paint a key “accent wall” , add a few toss cushions, some terrific vases or a new piece of art “touched” with honeysuckle.  

Tell us what you think!  We’d love to hear your adventures into this dynamic new colour trend.

Read on for the full article from Pantone.   

   
With so much inventory in the Vancouver market, and fewer sales since the same period in 2009, sellers are definitely feeling the impact of a BUYERS MARKET.   Multiple offers are no longer the norm.  Days on market have been increasing.   See what the Vancouver Sun has to say about our current ” Buyers Market”.

So how do you actually sell YOUR house when there is so much competition AND get the highest price possible that you’ll  feel good about?

1. By working with a expert realtor that understands the market, understands your expectations, markets to the hilt and represents YOU.
2. By setting your price realistically & competitively in todays market ( remember that you’re competing with a load of other fine properties )
3. By preparing your house to sell with EFFECTIVE HOME STAGING.

With so much competition, EFFECTIVE HOME STAGING is a top real estate strategy to ensure that your property STANDS OUT IN THE MARKET, gets noticed and SELLS !

Put yourself in the role of a buyer.

You view two (2) properties in the same neighbourhood.  All things considered equal (size, layout, neighbourhood amenties, price) which property would you most likely pick?

…the house that you’ll need to clean, paint, upgrade before you can really feel at home.

….or….

…the house that is move in ready and already feels like HOME?

 How about two (2) properties in the same condomium complex.  All things considered equal (size, layout, neighbourhood amenties, price) which property would you most likely pick?

….the  “bowling alley” condo that looks impossible to furnish? 

….or….

… the “Liveable” Room with a View?

The choices are clear and proof that STAGED HOMES SELL!   By portraying a “liveable” lifestyle that sellers want, your staged property will sell faster and for a higher price than the competition.

Here’s the facts:

• 63% of buyers will pay more for a property that  is move in ready!
• Staged homes sell up to 50% faster than un-staged homes
• Staged homes sell for up to 7% more than un-staged homes

EFFECTIVE HOME STAGING ensures that the property you are selling STANDS OUT IN THE MARKET.    Make it memorable, make it STAND OUT and it’s as good as SOLD!

For more details about Home Staging, Vacant Staging, Occupied Staging or Interior Design, call Accentuate Home Staging Design Group today at 604-328-6479 or visit our website at http://www.accentuate.ca/.

These days it’s not always us baby boomers that are thinking about downsizing.  Many of our parents, relatives, “Senior” friends and client’s are also facing the same reality of moving from their larger homes to smaller, easier to manage homes.   And most often – they need our help.

Whether downsizing into a retirement complex, an assisted living complex or simply a smaller home or apartment because their current home is just too unwieldy, the transition can be a daunting one.   The process can be stressful for everyone involved…the Senior as well as the family member or friends assisting them with the move.

Not only must they pack, store, donate, sell many of their own possessions in order to “fit” into the smaller home….but they must consider the details of preparing the new home in a manner that accommodates them in terms of safety, practicality and interior decor.  Details such as:

• Can they navigate through the new home with a wheelchair, walker or cane…..what about visitors that require walking aids?
• How will they open the doors, drawers, closets if their hands have limited mobility?
• Can they get in and out of their favourite chair or even their own bed on their own?
• If they are visually impaired, will they be able to easily distinguish the edge of the countertop?

In hiring a professional Interior Designer, you’ll not only receive invaluable downsizing and de-cluttering advice, but you’ll benefit from expert knowledge in space planning and furniture ergonomics with a focus on providing the perfect blend of safety, practicality and pleasing design that “feels like home”.

Here are some tips to keep in mind when preparing a new home for a Senior:

1.    Sturdy, ergonomic furniture.

• consider higher seats  for ease of use (toilets too)
• firmer seats
• upholstered backs for comfort
• sturdy arms to assist with getting in and out of the chair

2.    Comfort flooring

• non-slip flooring in kitchen, bathrooms, laundry
• low pile carpeting in living room and bedroom – easier on the feet and cushions falls

3.    Door, drawers and kitchen faucets

• lever handles are easier to grasp than knobs

4.    Wider aisles

• ensure that the furniture layout can allow a  wheelchair or walker 36″ to pass or turn around.  
• don’t need any walking aids?  Consider wider aisles for any visiting guests that do.

5.    Kitchen, bathroom and laundry countertops

• Safety First!
• ensure that countertops are darker than the floors to easily distinguish the edge of the counter. 

And don’t forget to make it feel like home!   Colour, patterns, textures mixed with memorabilia and ‘favourite things’ are guaranteed to transform the house into a HOME.

Want more details or looking for some professional Interior Design assistance?  

Call Accentuate Home Staging Design Group at 604-328-6479 to learn how we can help Seniors transition into their home with dignity, ease and style!

One thing is certain.  Most buyers will pay more for properties that are in move-in condition.

Whether you’ve been renting out your property for investment purposes or renovating it to sell, implementing just a few key real estate strategies will ensure that you’re property is market ready and will Stand Out in today’s competitive environment.

Try these top makeover tips and your investment property will transform from shabby to CHIC and for minimal cost”

1.   A fresh coat of PAINT.

Often the most overlooked upgrade.  This is  certainly the most cost effective solution with the biggest bang for your buck. A fresh coat of paint,  in neutral tones will do wonders to ramp up the market appeal of your property.  Do it yourself or call in the professionals….but do it properly.  Prep the walls, patch holes, remove switchplates and vents before painting.  You’ll be glad you did….and buyers will notice.    It’s the best investment you’ll make.

2.   Clean or New Flooring .

Buyers are quick to notice the floors….the wear, the tear, pet odours, you name it.    The thought of cleaning them and, even worse, replacing them after move-in can be a deal breaker.  So have your carpets cleaned just prior to your open house.    And if they are in real disrepair, consider replacing them with mid range carpeting, laminate, tile or hardwood.   No need to break the bank….just select mid range products in neutral colours.   Beware the urge to install budget products.  If they look too budget, buyers may think you’ve done nothing all and your investment is lost.

3.   Kitchen cabinets and bathroom vanities.

Are your kitchen cabinets or bathroom vanities dated, showing wear and tear? Consider the following makeover solutions, depending on your budget and your energy:

• paint, reface or replace
• replace handles and door pulls with updated ones in brushed nickel or similar
• replace worn laminate countertops if necessary

4.  Landscaping

The curb appeal of your property is the 1st true impression of your property.  MAKE IT COUNT ! Consider these tips to give your house curb appeal that SELLS !

• new mailbox
• polished or new house numbers
• clean yard
• powerwash siding and sidewalks
• add attractive flowering planters

5.  Clean, Clean, Clean

And I mean CLEAN ! Nothing can be a bigger distraction to a potential buyer than a house that not clean.  Pay particular attention to your appliances, bathrooms, floors….and don’t forget door and appliance handles.   Just finished renovating?….then pick up after yourself and leave the place spotless.   Now is the time to show buyers your handywork.

Call us at 604-328-6479 to learn how Accentuate Home Staging can help you prepare your Investment Property to SELL?

    

One of the greatest compliments is a past client that returns to us for additional assistance.  That’s just what this occupied enhancement client did.

So happy were they with our recommendations and hands-on staging assistance that prepared their previous home for an eventual speedy sale, that they returned to Accentuate for some assistance in their new townhome.

Working with their own things, once again, Accentuate placed their extensive art collection throughout plus provided personal shopping services to provide the perfect living room, dining room and family room rugs.

What a pleasure to work with such a tremendous client….and what a compliment!

Click here for more project photos »

Call us today to 604-328-6479 for more information about staging occupied homes, staging vacant homes as well as our interior design and personal shopping services.

For me, Turquoise reminds me of the warm and soothing waters of the tropics.  It refreshes and revitalizes me.   So how does turquoise make you feel?   This may just be the right colour for you to try in your home.

Read on for the full article from Pantone.   

“In many cultures, Turquoise occupies a very special position in the world of color,” explains Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of the Pantone Color Institute®. “It is believed to be a protective talisman, a color of deep compassion and healing, and a color of faith and truth, inspired by water and sky. Through years of color word-association studies, we also find that Turquoise represents an escape to many – taking them to a tropical paradise that is pleasant and inviting, even if only a fantasy.”

Whether envisioned as a tranquil ocean surrounding a tropical island or a protective stone warding off evil spirits, Turquoise is a color that most people respond to positively. It is universally flattering, has appeal for men and women, and translates easily to fashion and interiors. With both warm and cool undertones, Turquoise pairs nicely with any other color in the spectrum. Turquoise adds a splash of excitement to neutrals and browns, complements reds and pinks, creates a classic maritime look with deep blues, livens up all other greens, and is especially trend-setting with yellow-greens.

More information is available at www.pantone.com.