Don't blame me if you can't get those lyrics out of your head after you see the house I staged in the country. When I pulled up the winding lane to the perfect country home, I couldn't help but start to hum the tune from that long ago show. I am a city girl through and through but I can tell you that once I staged this beauty I could see myself living here. Some lucky family will buy this home and will have found their own little piece of heaven on earth. Nothing to do but move right in and enjoy the horses, the indoor pool & sauna or relax in the  spacious master and ensuite. Not to mention the lifestyle of horses in the country to ride along a winding trail.

All I did was highlight the existing focal points to draw attention to the lifestyle moment you could enjoy living in this property perched atop a ski hill looking out as far as the eye could see.

Watch the video and feel yourself relax, let the stress of the city melt away.........at 5833 Line 5 North, Moostone.

Winner of the Trailblazer Company of the Year Award 2009

United Way's 50th Anniversary Estate on the Bay Designer Showcase Home has wrapped up with the gala being held on a star lit night on Kempenfelt Bay in Barrie.  Michelle Finnamore of Advantage Staging was among 10 designers that were asked to redesign the 10,000 sq. ft. lakeside home to raise funds for the United Way.

It was a privilege to be part of a project that brought together the talents of many designers for a good cause that benefitted the community in a far reaching way.

   Cheryl Tiegs was in attendance as the rep for Cambria Quartz which was used in the kitchen.

It turns out that we were both involved with the Live Green, Live Smart green renovation of a 50's ranch bungalow in Minnesota last year. The ranch bungalow is the first home in the world to be renovated to a Platium level of LEEDS and exceed the requirements by 17%.

I always say......it is a small world isn't it?

Kevin Frankish, host of Breakfast Television and Mary Dobson, feature designer on Cityline were our chauffeurs for the evening.   Mary designed the laundry room and garage space which will be featured on Cityline October 27th.

My neighbour and good friend John Elms of Ultimate Car Rental

supplied a classic Rolls Royce for the evening as well. Along with

a few of my favourite cars like a '67 Corvette, a Maseratti and a classic

Pontiac Judge.

Here are a few of the images of the grounds that I staged to highlight the focal points of the property.

    Bradford Greenhouses supplied the large urns with fall florals for the front  

    entrance.

UCA Branding installed window film to the cabana sliding glass doors to highlight the bar area.

Martin House Art provided 5 pieces of exterior artwork made from 65% post consumer recycled steel.

 Iris in the garden was beautiful to see in the rising morning sun.

 The lime green bench brought a smile to everyone when they walked          up the path to the front door.

The eliptical steel ball was created specifically for the top of the 55 foot boat slip.

Michelle Finnamore of Advantage Staging has been busy along with 10 other designers at the fabulous Estate on the Bay Designer showhome makeover for the upcoming United Way 50th Anniversary open house tour.

I chose to stage the exterior grounds including the front door area, the cabana, the top of the 55 foot boat slip and the fish pond. It has been a pleasure working with the many suppliers who have graciously contributed to the fund raising efforts for the United Way. Wander through the home and grounds and see the lifestyle of lakeside estate living first hand.

For ticket information and dates and times in September please visit estateonthebay.com

I would like to thank the following suppliers for their contributions to my design concept-

Martin House Art - exterior Artwork  and mailbox at front door

Hiltz Marble & Granite - bar top on bar in the cabana

UCA Branding - glass door art and exterior signage

Bradford Greenhouses - urns and florals at front door

Nadia Painting. bar base in cabana

Ponds By Design - fish pond and water garden

In this example I would like to show the importance to Realty companies of their lobby reception area to the public. Whether it is a potential home buyer or an agent looking to join the sales team, first impressions count.

Gabe Bianchi of RE/MAX Premier opened the new location at 9100 Jane Street in Vaughan situated beside the Vaughan Mills Shopping Centre .  His concept for the new building was to create a main street atmosphere within the building. Two mortgage brokers, two lawyers, a home staging company amongst others are right in the building to serve the agents needs and to provide immediate answers to the buyers questions.

Part of the vision was to have the lobby staged by Advantage Staging. My suggestion was to change the look of the lobby every three months. Easy Decor rental furniture has  provided the furniture for the first vignette. I chose warm coloured, abstract artwork from a local art supplier and the props and accessories are from my rental inventory.  Every three months the look will change to keep interest high and create a positive energy in the building. Now the agents are looking forward to meeting their clients at the office as they have a story to tell that is unique to their location. And who wouldn't want that Advantage?

Investment, minimal.

Impact, priceless.

Winner of the Trailblazer of the Year Award  2009

In this example of home staging I would like to show Realtors and home owners the value in the buyers perception of a property when you take the time to tidy up and create a home that is ready to be shown.

Buyers spend less than 5 minutes viewing your home so it is wise to paint the picture for them to see how they would live in your home. It is in your best interest as a seller to present your home as "move in ready".

65% of buyers have stated that they will pay more for a move in ready home.

All I did in this home staging was tidy up, rearrange the furniture from other rooms in the house and place a few rental accessories and props throughout the home.  By doing this I was able to market the home to potential buyers that were looking for their new dream home. One that they could live and entertain in with ease.     

The investment for these two rooms was $300.00.

Investment, minimal.

Impact, priceless.

Winner of the Trailblazer Company of the Year Award  2009

In this example I wanted to show Realtors and home owners what can be accomplished with Home Staging when you have a detailed plan to prepare a home for sale. There is so much to think about when you list your home. It can be overwhelming trying to decide what to do first.Whether you are short on time or ideas calling in Advantage Staging is the first step in getting a plan together to move forward.

Whether you need painters, moving boxes, window cleaning services or just a calm voice in the whirlwind of activity Advantage Staging will guide you in the right direction in a clear and concise way to get you ready for listing photos and open houses.

After the home owner completed the decluttering process all I did was...

provide 4 lamps,1 duvet set and two pictures.

Everything else the home owner already had in the house.I returned for a follow up visit to make sure everything was in place for the listing photos and the agent open house.

This house at 53 Woodlands Heights in Everett now shows how a family can live and entertain in the country with style and elegance. And who wouldn't love that?

For an investment of $500, now this house says "buy me"  and "move in ready".

Investment, minimal.

Impact, priceless.

Winner of the Trailblazer Company of the Year Award  2009

In this home staging in Brampton I took a ho hum master bedroom and created a bedroom that you could see yourself living with for a long time.

All I did was start with a colour palette of chocolate brown and woodlawn blue. White furniture with chrome hardware along with mirrored night tables added balance to the room.

Chrome accessories and of course, a fabulous piece of artwork placed opposite the bed. By placing the artwork opposite the bed, a buyer could envision themselves waking up to what looked like the perfect getaway place. Buyers tend to buy the way they want to live and this room completed everyone's fantasy of getting away from it all without ever leaving their bedroom.

This room was specifically created so that a buyer would connect emotionally with this property and put it at the top of their list.

Investment,minimal.

Impact, priceless.      

Winner of the Trailblazer Company of the Year 2009.   

In this home staging in Mississauga I would like to show Realtors and Homeowners the importance of showing the master bedroom as place to retreat to after a long day at work. In a condo where space is at a premium it is best to market the master bedroom in a cool, sophistacated hotel like appearance. A place where buyers can see themselves living in.

All I did was suggest to the client that they declutter, buy two new lamps and hang a romantic picture above their bed. Total outlay $90.00.

Investment, minimal.

Impact, priceless.

Winner of the Trailblazer of the Year Award 2009.

In this home staging in Mississuaga, I would like to show Realtors and Homeowners the importance of showing a bedroom as a bedroom when you are marketing a home for sale. Buyers cannot seem to envision what you do not show them. 

In this condo where space is at a premium, it was important to show an office/work space as well as a second bedroom as a place to sleep.

All I did was suggest to the client that it would be in their best interest to declutter and borrow a bed and linens to market their home as a two bedroom condo instead of a one bedroom with a very cluttered office.

In real estate you are always selling useable space and square footage. It is always smart to show and market how a buyer could live in your property when your competition is just down the hall or on the next floor.

Investment, minimal.

Impact, priceless.

Winner of the Trailblazer Company of the Year Award 2009.

In this home staging in Mississuaga I would like to show the importance of showing how much space you are selling. When every single one of your belongings is out on view it is very hard for a buyer to see what you are offering for sale.

In a condo situation you typically have bathrooms on the smaller side. If you take the time to declutter you allow the two most important features to stand out. Useable space and square footage. When you have competition just down the hall or on the next floor it is necessary to do everything possible to make your unit to appear larger.

All I did was suggest that the client buy some baskets to place their belongings in under the cabinet. That way they could access them easily each morning and when done with the morning routine, they are neatly stowed away and out of sight.

Investment, minimal.

Impact, priceless.

Winner of Trailblazer Company of the Year 2009.