Art in The Bathroom * Home Staging * Interior Design * Living Spaces - 11/28/07 12:08 PM
Of course art is delightful in the bathroom, giving a much needed 'lift' to the utilitarian fixtures. Art is a concern in the bathroom, to the avoidance of using it there. Framers routinely advise againt it. Sorry to 'dampen' the enthusiasm somewhat, but there are some unpleasantries to be cautious of. Depending on the issues of steam and dampness, especially if there isn't an exhaust fan, it may be necessary to take some cautionary measures. If the exhaust carries away the steam effectively, there may be little to worry about.
French Bath III Art Print
Hageman, Marilyn
buy art … (22 comments)

Art in Home Staging & Interior Design - Living Spaces - 11/27/07 03:02 PM
An artist, stager and designer, I have developed views from each discipline of the use of art in Interior Design and Home Staging that tend perhaps to differ somewhat from the mainstream. Thank goodness for a more general understanding collectively of the use of eclectic mix in interiors and away from the 'matchy' thing previously prevalent. Some 'professionals' can tend to be stuck in the 'matchy' mud, as well. The consumer is becoming more savvy and boldly pulling together various elements to work together.


Van Gogh buy art prints

For staging, art prints and reproduction are economical resources. I have often … (40 comments)

Dimensional Art in Interior Design Living Spaces - 11/27/07 02:16 PM
 
The  tendency of the masses to think of art in terms of two dimensional wall art and paintings very often overlooks and rules out the very fabulous effect of three dimensional art.
Three dimensional art in the form of sculpture or pottery in a room adds - what else? The excitement of dimensionality, tactile essence, texture to room interiors. There is just something so outstanding about the presence of art IN the room, inviting interaction, rather than merely on the walls.
I have always encouraged the 'touching' of art. It begs for it, so why prohibit it's purpose to please? It was created by hands … (21 comments)

Cheap Furniture - Budget Decorating - Retro Antique - Living Spaces - 11/26/07 02:30 AM
 
Style owes nothing to money! is a personal motto I have followed since the inception of my 20 year career in interiors. While I've helped many many clients purchase new quality furniture, art and accessories at the 'best' shops, my own taste selection runs quite the opposite and not for cost alone.
I do love a bargain, but more I love the appeal and selection of collections from times and periods past. The character, style and quality of an eclectic mix are instant winners for me. In fact my own home is a collection of 'everything is old ...but looks new' - a pleasantly quizzical observation frequently made by visitors.
Remember especially OLD IS … (13 comments)

Bathroom Lighting - Living Spaces - Design Planning - 11/23/07 01:16 PM
 
Still many home planners, builders, homeowners and I dare say some lighting designers are in the 'shadows' when it comes to Effective Bathroom Lighting Design.
Main bathroom functions involve personal hygiene and grooming. We need to be able to see easily without contorting our faces and bodies to get a better view of our features in the mirror.
Photographers get this. They know that the best way to light a face is not from overhead lighting, but in bringing the light to the face. Yet lighting from above continues to be the favored mode of lighting a bathroom, whether from the ceiling or the (in)famous light bar over the … (12 comments)

Planning Kitchen Lighting * Home Interior Design * Living Spaces - 11/16/07 09:34 PM
 
 Everyone recognizes the importance of Kitchen Lighting to the many tasks performed in this most significant room in the house. Yet more 'light' of understanding need be cast for effective and efficient lighting design.
A well designed Lighting Plan is a delight & should be seriously considered.
In view of the cost involved in a kitchen, the cost of a lighting plan is highly warranted & recommended. Professional design creates lively sparkle. It shows off beautiful cabinetry & architectural detail. Tasks become far easier & enjoyable when you can see clearly what you're doing. All of this and ...everyone will enjoy … (2 comments)

Elements of Interior Design (& Home Staging) Living Spaces - 11/16/07 09:32 PM
Interior Design may be referenced as art. Staging follows the same principles & elements of design, which are universal in whatever context of arrangement.
There are the foundational unchangeable design elements. Secondary elements then fall into the main categories.
The Specific Design Elements relate essential information: POINTLINE - FORM - FLOWSCALECOLORTEXTURE & PATTERN
There is much to be understood about design. Far from being a means of concise analysis of Design Elements, a beginning is necessary to develop an understanding & hence develop your ‘eye'. The way you see things critically affects & effects how you arrange your interior Living Spaces or a piece of art or any arrangement of … (2 comments)

Staging The Market - Home Staging Kelowna - 11/15/07 01:18 PM
Realtors, Stagers and Home Sellers
Who is home staging for? First who it isn't directly for is the seller and I will explain. It isn't directly for the stager's or realtor's benefits either.
The direct benefit of staging should be focused on the buyer - your market. Who will be buying this home?  
Staging is not all created equal. Unfortunately a lot of what we're seeing in staging is the typical contemporary interior, lacking focus on the most important goal of staging. The purpose of staging a home for sale is to create appeal that allows the potential buyers to 'see' themselves in any given property. 
If … (0 comments)

Unstaged Property not selling after 6 weeks??? Staging Sells Faster and For More. Period. - 11/15/07 12:45 PM
These are the very basic real estate staging facts anywhere. Staging sells faster and for more. Period. Those sellers whose properties are staged benefit immensely.
Sellers often choose to avoid improving sale-ability in what they see as a 'bullish' market.
I am hearing from Sellers and Realtors alike here in with listings not moving on the market over 6 weeks. These are typically vacant unstaged listings that are being called about - or properties off the market awhile and re-listing.
The sellers often sound anxious and a little agitated in the phone. They are reluctant before they even find out what they stand to gain. The realtors sound hesitant … (6 comments)

Selling at a Loss? ..then calling a stager? - 11/10/07 12:55 PM
Regardless of the hot Real Estate market in Kelowna and Canada in general, it is foolhardy to overlook the fact of the competition. Everyone and their - cat - I dare say wants to, or has entered the frenzied foray.
Very simply - start out right if you want top dollar AND  a quicker sale.
Many of the calls I'm getting right now are from homesellers of vacant listings, and realtors who have waited through all reductions and into a loss or facing a loss. They're frantic, frustrated, now feeling that 'too late' sensation, knowing in retrospect what they should have done … (7 comments)

Raku Art ......you asked, Carole Provenzale! - 11/02/07 03:26 PM
Some time ago Carole Provenzale requested information on Raku Art. Since Raku is not only a lengthy and labor-intensive art form, I put off relating the complex process which requires lengthy description. I will however keep it very short.
Pronounced rakoo - rhyming with, but not the spaghetti sauce! ..modern Raku is derived from the ancient Japanese form of glaze firing tea bowls and is closely related to the tea ceremony. Typified by 'crazing' which is cracking of the glaze, a desireable effect, Raku is art only and not meant for serving food. 
Any clay forms may be fired in this method. The process itself is very Zen … (22 comments)

 

Find BC real estate agents and Kelowna real estate on ActiveRain.