Using Feng Shui to attract more potential home buyers is a fantastic idea.  When you start to look at the Feng Shui recommendations, you will see that some of them are identical to what you may be doing already to prepare your client's homes for sale.  Feng Shui does recommend de-cluttering, depersonalizing, cleaning, repairing, and then implementing the 5 elements (water, wood, fire, earth, and metal).

Here is a Feng Shui 5 Element Cheat Sheet for preparing your homes for sale:

Each element needs to be represented in every room but not equally in every room.  In the United Stated, most rooms tend to be dominated by the wood element and are missing the fire element. An element should be brought into a room to increase balance.  The fire element can be brought into a room through the additional of a red pillow.

The goal of Feng Shui is to make sure chi or energy flows smoothly.  This is very important if you are trying to sell your home. By using Feng Shui we want to attract the potential buyer from the external curb and once they are inside the home we want them to feel so comfortable they want to stay. Feng Shui considers all five senses and wanting to create an emotional response to the home's environment from the potential buyer.  The walk from your car to the front door is also very important and needs to be maintained. During this timeframe we are aiming to capture the buyer's interest in the property and the front door (mouth of chi) should be a dramatic focal point.  Great colors to paint a front door are black or dark brown, this will definitely draw the buyer's eye in to the front door.  The welcome mat should be a semi-circle on the outside of the home. Once inside, the entry way is the most important room since a buyer will decide in under a minute on whether or not they will buy your home. The entry way is also the last part of the home the potential buyers will see.  It is always a good idea to have a mirror in the entry way (but pay close attention to what is being reflected, do not point it towards the door) and no sharp furniture pointing towards the front door.

Using a Baqua Map and aligning it with the home's front door will help you identify the various centers of your room.

Approximately 75-80% of the home's front door will enter through the Career center. The Helpful People room will be the room most buyer's go into after the front door.  The Wealth center definitely needs a tall green vertical plant. Your business cards should go into the Career center.  In the Marriage/Relationships center you need to show pairs, it could be pairs of decorative pillows or even pairs of lights on either side of the bed. According the Feng Shui there really is no good place for a bathroom, so please leave the toilet lids closed and the door to the bathroom closed. Remove all your personal items from view also. A mirror facing a bed is also not recommended in Feng Shui, it possible you should eliminate any mirrors in the master bedroom.

To sell your home quickly, you need to address the Wealth, Fame, Marriage, Career, and Relationship areas of your home.

- Kate

Kate's Home Staging and Redesign now sells semi-custom window coverings at discount prices. Our window coverings include roman shades, Levolor and Dynasty blinds, faux wood blinds, bamboo blinds, woven wood blinds, cornices, valances, sheers, and drapes. Our roman shades can be ordered in 100% pure silk, linen, cotton, or designer fabric. We also offer Benjamin Moore color consultations and test color boards, interior decorating, home staging, and redesign. Please visit http://www.kateshomestaging.com for more info or call 845-538-3623. All window covering appointments include a free 30 minute design consultation for the same room. We serve Passaic County and Bergen County of New Jersey and Rockland County and Orange County of New York, basically the lower Hudson Valley. We are an affiliate member of the Passaic County of Realtors, a member of RESA, ASHSR.

As discussed is some of my earlier blogs, lighting is usually one of the least planned design elements in a home or commercial place but it has a dramatic impact on the atmosphere. Lighting can be used not only for visual comfort, but also to achieve predetermined emotional responses from the lighted environment. By manipulating the illumination levels of lighting and the color of the light in the light source, certain emotional responses can be achieved.  When using light to create a mood, it may be necessary to hide the light source and only show its effect.

Dimly lit rooms create an atmosphere of relaxation and restfulness, while highly lit rooms are beacons for activity and alertness. A dimly lit room is conducive to warmth and intimacy while concealing architectural flaws.  A master bedroom could be setup with a dimmer to support intimacy and romance. Candlelight is an excellent source of light for a romantic dinner; the flickering flames create an atmosphere for intimacy and relaxation. The red candle light flame even flatters most individuals' appearances, who would not want to dine by candlelight?  To create a celebratory mood, bright light and the reflection of objects helps to achieve this. A room that has brighter bulbs on, especially during the winter months, is perceived as a warmer room. 

Lighting can be "soft" or "hard." Soft lighting is conducive for a relaxing environment and it also will minimize harsh shadows.  Soft lighting is diffused lighting. Hard lighting is usually used for supplemental lighting and it used for tasks such as reading or working.  Each light bulb has a color temperature and color rendering index. The color temperature is the color shade, however subtle, of the light emanating from the light source. Lamps with lower color temperature will have a warmer tone than those with higher color temperatures. The color rendering index (CRI) is a measurement scale on the light's ability to render the trueness of colors, as they would appear in natural sunlight. The scale runs from 0-100 (100 is the best). A lamp with a CRI of 80 or better will represent colors the closest to sunlight. Incandescent or halogen lamps typically have very high CRI. Color rendering will influence how you see colors in your home; if the CRI is poor the colors in your home will not be true.

GE has put together a great page on which light bulb to choose based on the room and mood you want to create, click here to take a look.

Most incandescent light bulbs can give off a yellowish glow which can seem depressing at times. By changing to daylight style light bulbs, the light in the room will be closer to that of actual sunlight. However, some people may not like these daylight bulbs as they are brighter than the incandescent bulbs.  If you want to create a cozy feeling in a room, than use an incandescent bulb. To further enhance the mood, you can go with a lower wattage bulb to keep the room a little bit darker or use a dimmer.

Colored lighting may also be used to influence the atmosphere.  To create a warm atmosphere, use colors such as red, yellow, and orange. To create a warm atmosphere, use colors such as violet, blue, and green.  Just keep in mind, that the colors blue and blue-green are not very flattering on a person's complexion. It is better to use a bulb that is not too rich in color as you can achieve the opposite effect that you were trying to achieve. Yellow and red can be used to create a romantic effect while white and yellow light are appropriate for formal occasions.

Using floor lamps in each room with three way bulbs can help to create intimacy when additional lighting is required. Overhead lighting will spread throughout a room and should be used to create an active mood.  To create an intimate mood, it is better to use a table or floor lamp.  The kitchen and bathroom are two rooms within the home that always requires bright lights.

 A successful lighting design will employ dimmers on various light switches so light can be adjusted for optimal mood enhancement.  It also contains ambient lighting for general illuminations with task lighting for specific activities. To achieve your desired lighting scheme in your home, lighting may need to be done in layers. With the large selection of lights available today at low costs, it is easier than ever to create the mood you are looking for.

Kate

Kate's Home Staging and Redesign, serves the Rockland County and Orange County areas of New York and Passaic County, New Jersey.  We specialize in home staging, interior decorating, home decorating, color consultations, semi-custom window coverings, and home decor discounts.  Call Kate at 845-538-3623 for your design consultation or visit www.kateshomestaging.com.

Light can influence your mood and make a space feel inviting or cold, so planning out lighting is crucial in every design scheme. A good lighting scheme should strive to enhance the overall design of any room.  Whether you are reading, cooking, working, or even trying to relax, appropriate lighting definitely comes into play.  The type of illumination that is selected for each room will vary on the occupants designated room's purpose.

All light sources, both artificial and natural sunlight, are combinations of wavelenghts of color. Depending on the light selected, the color of the light may be white, blue, or yellow.  Natural sunlight is a pure white color when it shines through out windows and is the only one true light. 

There are basically three types of light bulbs to choose from:

1.  Incandescent light bulbs ~ these are the most common bulbs. This type of light bulb turn on immediately, can be dimmed, come in many shapes and sizes, and are inexpensive to buy. However, incandescent bulbs are usually expensive to operate and give off a warm, yellowish glow.

2.  Halogen light bulbs ~ are a form of incandescent lighting, but are more costly to buy but are more energy efficient to use. Halogen bulbs can cause burns if touched directly. Halogen bulbs do not work in standard light fixtures and require protective housing. A benefit of halogen bulbs is the bright white color they give off is the closest to natural sunlight.

3.  Fluorescent light bulbs~ have been used in homes for decades but have a slower start up than the other bulbs.  Recent improvements in fluorescent bulbs make them more favorable to home owners. This type of bulb is very efficient and uses only 25% - 35% of the energy required for a comparable incandescent bulb, but cost more than incandescent bulbs.  Flourescent light bulbs can be used in most light fixtures but some can not be dimmed.  This bulb also contains mercury, so be careful if you break one.  This bulb gives off a bluish-white light.

Types of Lighting:

Every room must have at least two types of lighting ~ ambient lighting and accent or task lighting.  Ambient lighting provides overall illumination to a room while accent or task lighting is focused on a particular area.  Artificial ambient lighting usually comes from overhead fixtures, you would use task lighting to supplement ambient lighting. Accent lights, usually from smaller fixtures, can be used to illuminate artwork or accent fixtures. Candle light is also a great form of light to use to great a romantic, relaxed feeling in your home.

Light fixtures comes in many different types and styles - table lamp, floor light, pendant, wall-mounted, ceiling mounted - and the room's purpose must be taken into consideration.  Table and floor lamps are very versatile and can be moved at any time.  Pendant light fixtures, such as chandeliers, are typically used in dining rooms, kitchens, master bedrooms, and even some master bathrooms.  Ceiling mounted fixtures may be recessed or sit on or just below the surface; recessed lighting usually works well in the kitchen over the preparation area.  Places such as bookshelves are a great place to install accent lighting, when you are designing a room's lighting scheme it is important to remember all the places that could be dark and forgotten.

Lighting Tricks to Remember:

• Halogen bulbs will work well in a room with white or very lightly painted walls, since the white light will reflect off everything. 
• An updated chandelier in your entry way and dining room is a must is you are planning on selling, use the highest wattage bulbs possible.
• A light fixture should be stylish and have a purpose, the purpose could be to simply provide light behind a floor standing plant.
• Avoiding shadows in the corners of rooms is always a good idea, this will make your room look larger.
• Colors look different under warm (yellow) light versus cool (blue) light, so it is always important to look at paint colors and fabrics at different times of the day and under natural sunlight.
• Always use the highest wattage bulbs in all your light fixtures.
• If you are involved in the addition of a home, increasing natural sunlight by adding a window or skylight is usually a good idea.

Now, that we all understand the types of light bulbs and fixtures to choose from the fun part begins - the design and lighting scheme of your home (or your client's home). A dark home with inadequate lighting does appear dreary and can affect our moods, without us even realizing it.  With the addition of some well placed lamps, I bet your home will feel brighter during these dark winter months.

Kate

Kate's Home Staging and Redesign, serves Rockland County and Orange County, New York and Passaic County, New Jersey.  We specialize in home decorating, interior design, home staging, color consultations, custom wood signs, vacant home staging, home decor discounts, semi-custom window coverings, please call Kate for your design consultation at 845-538-3623 or visit www.kateshomestaging.com for more info. Making every home better through redesign.

From recycled glass tile, bamboo flooring, textiles, low VOC paints, cleaning products, to home design products, the trend towards green design seems to be growing due to consumer's heightened consciousness of the importance of using items that are good for our environment. Using recycled items is also gaining interest among interior design clients.

There are varying degrees of "green," also called eco-friendly design, but in general a product must be made from a renewable material that was grown organically with minimally impact to the environment; the manufacturing process must not cause pollution.  Green products may be recyclable, hypoallergenic, and biodegradable, and some may even save energy (such as energy star appliances and energy efficient light bulbs).

If you were to ask the average person what going green means, they may picture lines of solar panels angled on their roof line. While solar panels are a great way to save money on your energy bill and definitely fall under the going green umbrella - the expense of installing them can be very steep; simple changes can have a positive impact in our lives as well. If you need to upgrade your flooring, going with a bamboo or cork is a would be an environmentally friendly option.  When selecting a wall paint, it is always healthier to select a low or no-VOC paint, since it uses water as an ingredient and is less hazardous to the environment.

Eco friendly interior decoration avoids using toxin-introducing materials in your home. Synthetic fragrances and air fresheners may release  volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that can irritate the respiratory system. Candles made before 2003 were made with lead-core wicks and are now banned, according to the National Candle Association.  Organic soy and beeswax are green options that are better frangrance choices for your home; these choices are safe for pregnant woman and people with asthma.

When selecting cleaning products, it is always a better option to select a green product.  Synthetic cleaners pollute our environment and can affect our lungs.  Using water and steaming your ceramic tile is a great way to clean your kitchen floor.  Products such as Cleaning the Green, are all natural and are great glass and surface cleaners.  Also, Pet Pure Ayre Odor Eliminator is all natural and safe for your pets and will eliminate all your pet's odors.  Vinegar and water is also a great all natural cleaner for your kitchen and bathroom.  Believe me, you will start to feel better when you use all natural cleaners in your home.

Keep in mind that "greening" your entire home does not happen overnight, it is an ongoing process that can lead up to an large environmental impact overtime that will also affect your health positively. Adding plants are an excellent green option and design element to add to any room.

Kate

Kate's Home Staging and Redesign, specializes in home staging, interior design, home decorating, vacant staging, color consultations, and more.  Contact Kate at 845-538-3623 to schedule your design consultation, www.kateshomestaging.com

By spending $100 or less, a home owner could improve their home and make their surroundings more enjoyable.  Since it is winter and colder outside, this is the time of year when more people focus on staying home more and inside home updates.

Here are a few ideas to get you started:

1. One thing my family always enjoys is new bedding.  Now is the time to pickup a new "bed in a bag" for your master bedroom and change your look.  With places like Walmart carrying brands like Better Homes and Gardens bedding and pillows, you can pick up a complete bedding set plus some extra decorative pillows for under $100.

  Picture is Walmart.com,  Better Homes & Garden Bedding Set Spice

2.  Update your bathroom faucet to a more modern one.  It may take you a little time looking online to find a style you like that is under $100, but is can change the entire look of your sink.  Most home owners are able to change out a faucet on their own since all the existing piping is already there. 

Picture is from HomeDepot.com, Pegasus 9000 Series Faucet - $99

3.   Update all the towels and bathmat in one of your bathrooms.  This is another great way to completely transform the room with an entirely new color scheme for a relatively small amount of money.

Picture is from Kohls.com, Greenbriar 3 Piece Towel - $36

4.  Paint your walls a different color.  This is the easiest way to have a huge impact in a room. A gallon of Benjamin Moore interior paint runs between $30-$40 in my area and is a fantastic paint.  Color can influence mood and make a small room look larger (by selecting a light, reflective color).

     Picture is from Walmart.com, Scroll Brown Slip Cover - $39.96

5.  Purchase a slipcover from Walmart or Kohls to completely revive a piece of furniture and update the look of your room. A slipcover is a great way to hold off on replacing a piece of furniture, especially if you are planning on moving in the near future.


6.  Hire an interior decorator or home stager for 1 hour to come to your home and help you decide on what needs to be done.  Most decorators and home stagers charge under $100 per hour and can give you invaluable information such as what paint color to use on your walls or where to position your extra large sofa.  Believe me, this will be the best money you spent because the results will have a lasting effect in your home.

Kate

Kate's Home Staging and Redesign, specializes in home staging, interior design, home decorating, home decor discounts, semi-custom window coverings, and color consultation.  Call Kate for your design consultation at 845-538-3623 or visit www.kateshomestaging.com

The most buyer traffic will come through a home the first two weeks it is on the market than any other time period. No one gets a second chance to make a first impression and when you are talking about real estate, the only way to generate new interest in your home is to drop your price to attract a different group of potential buyers.  With buyers expecting move-in ready homes and becoming more aware of what to expect in a home, more Realtors and sellers are turning to home staging to help them differentiate their homes from the competition.

Home staging is the process of de-personalizing a home and making it "buyer ready" so it appeals to the largest potential buyer audience possible using proven design techniques that highlight the home's best architectural features.  Home staging, also know as real estate staging, is not home decorating but rather an art that utilizes a home owners existing furniture, lighting, and art work to draw a potential buyers eye to the positive aspects of your home.  Home staging will address furniture layouts, paint schemes, clutter, traffic flows, focal points, lighting, accent colors, and creating that WOW factor.

The potential benefits of home staging for the sellers are:

• Sellers who stage their properties first, also end up packing most of their belonging before the home goes on the market; this makes the move less stressful.
• All the clutter is removed from your home prior to your first Open House.
• The statistics show your home will sell faster because it will show better.

The potential benefits of home staging for potential home buyers are:

• The buyers can see the architectural features of the home they want to buy rather than wading through clutter and family pictures.
• Potential buyers are able to envision their belongings fitting in the space because all excess furniture and clutter has been removed.
• A property that has been professionally staged has an optimal room layouts, which shows all potential buyers the best way to utilize the space in every room.

The potential benefits of home staging for real estate agents are:

• A home seller who has paid for a home staging consultation will be more likely to listen to the advice of their Realtor regarding price and marketing of their home.
• A professional home stager may be able to say things to a home sellers that a Realtor may not be able to without jeopardizing his/her relationship with their client.  A home seller expects design advice from a home stager and usually welcomes it.
• Having a professional home stager on a Realtor's team is a positive marketing tool to gain more home selling clients in today's competitive market.
• A professionally staged property will present better on the MLS and will result in attracting a larger buyer audience.
• The statistics show your home will sell faster because it will show better.

If you are still unsure about the benefits of having your properties professionally staged, contact your local home stager for a Realtor presentation on the benefits of staging.  The proof will be in the before and after pictures and how fast the homes sold. Home stagers, Realtors, and Sellers all have the same goal - to sell your home quickly and for the highest dollar amount.

                  BEFORE                                                              AFTER

Kate, Kate's Home Staging and Redesign specializes in home staging, interior design, home decorating, color consultations, custom wood signs, semi-custom window coverings, and more.  Call Kate to schedule your design consultation at 845-538-3623 or visit www.kateshomestaging.com.  We serve the Rockland County, Orange County of New York and Passaic County, New Jersey