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.   

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?

In our opinion as expert home stagers, the optimal scenario is to stage your property just prior to photographing it for MLS and as close to the first agents open or buyer open house as possible.   This takes any last minute de-cluttering or open house preparation off the sellers plate and ensures that the road is clear for the realtor to focus on the pure task of selling that property.  Sounds pretty straight forward…right?

But what if your house needs a little or a lot of extra “TLC” before putting it up for sale?  Should you stage the house before or after hiring a realtor? 

Move-Out CLUTTER		Mid-Reno CONFUSION

If you know that your house can do with some ”TLC” because you are:

• in the midst of downsizing, packing and/or moving out
• completing the last of your renovations
• preparing to make minor repairs including painting, yardwork, etc

…….then you may want to consider staging your house before hiring a realtor.

Ultimately, you want to present your house at its very best…and that includes to realtors that you may be interviewing for hire.    Realtors are experts on pricing your home and they provide you with valuable insight into what today’s saavy buyers are after.   

By enlisting the help of an expert Home Stager first and getting a jump start on selling your house before hiring a realtor, you may get a higher listing price from Realtors.    Show them the clear potential of the effectively staged house and they will know that the marketing and selling  of that staged property will be easier and quicker than that of an unstaged house.

Time to Downsize		Ready to Show – SOLD!

That’s what these Accentuate clients did.   By staging their property first and “setting the the stage”,  realtors could accurately assess the house for it’s true features –  free of any guesswork as to how each room should be marketed and clear of the distractions of clutter and over-crowded  rooms.   By staging this house before hiring the realtor, the final real estate process was  streamlined and the chosen realtor was able to focus on listing, marketing and selling the house…fast and for top dollar!

Whether you’re downsizing, renovating or repairing  – staging your house before hiring a realtor may indeed be the best course of action for you.     And if you already have a realtor or if the house is already listed?…. it’s never too late.    Just know that it’s still important to stage it and have new pictures taken for the MLS and other advertising avenues.     Before you know it…..SOLD!

When you’re ready to get a jump start on selling your house, call Accentuate Home Staging at 604-328-6479. We can help!

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.

One of our greatest pleasures in staging occupied homes is welcoming our clients back to their homes after a day of enhancing what they already own.   The most common reaction we hear is.. “I had no idea that my home could look so great? I should have done this years ago!”

 Our commitment to you is to enhance lived-in spaces so that they show well – in your MLS listings and in every Open House.   Music to our ears and to yours, I’m sure, is hearing a buyer declare “I love this house – I WANT TO STAY”.

A successful property enhancement’ should project a lifestyle that buyers can’t resist.    Harness that emotion effectively and you’ve got a quick sale with a great return.

So how does Accentuate do it? Click here for a Behind the Scenes look at what it takes to Accentuate a lived-in property…

Want more information about staging vacant properties, enhancing furnished properties orour extensive rental inventory?

Call us today at 604-328-6479 to learn how we help you maximize the demand for your next listing.