Paula's Staging Sizzles

TO PAINT OR NOT TO PAINT? !!! Vote please!!!

Paula Springer A.S.P. (Key Elements Inc. Home Staging & Interiors) — Fri, 28 Aug 2009 11:42:26 -0500

This home is coming on the market soon in Portland, Oregon's hip and funky Hawthorne District just steps away from shops galore. Regarding the photos below, Seller's P and A have asked that I seek more input on AR, specifically from those of you who know funky districts in their own areas, or perhaps are from Portland and know Hawthorne. Please with your vote and on whether to paint over this entry hall.

We have a rich camel color chosen for this area to complement a palette with coffee inspired colors from Macadamia to Cocoa Latte in the LR/DR. The upper story BRooms have a tuscan golden clay plaster effect.

KEY ELEMENTS INC. STAGING& INTERIORS SINCE 2001

COACHING SELLERS * RENTAL FURNISHINGS * COLOR CONSULTING

RESIDENTIAL AND BUSINESS INTERIORS * WINDOW COVERINGS

CALL PORTLAND’S PIONEER IN STAGING FOR A FREE QUOTE

503-515-4427

13070 SW Woodshire Lane, Tigard, OR 97223, $419K

Paula Springer A.S.P. (Key Elements Inc. Home Staging & Interiors) — Tue, 10 Mar 2009 23:27:15 -0500

4 BR, 2.5 BA 2468 s.f. with wooded yard and more forest beyond in desirable Morningstar neighborhood on Bull Mountain.

** MLS# 9009544 ** Contact Cindy Ludwig ** 503-422-5186 ** Coldwell Banker Barbara Sue Seal Properties **

A serene peninsula lot is the setting for this cedar and brick home with tile roof. Large rooms throughout with vaulted ceilings, bay windows, French doors. Fresh designer paint and new carpet. Huge master suite with balcony overlooking the woods. Master bath retreat with double sinks, built-in vanity, large jetted tub, tile floors, separate toilet and shower. Private back yard with many trees, double decks and flat lawn area. 3 car garage. A+ schools.

** MLS# 9009544 ** Contact Cindy Ludwig ** 503-422-5186 ** Coldwell Banker Barbara Sue Seal Properties **

Accredited Home Stager Paula Springer and the Key Elements Staging Crew partnered with the broker and seller to prepare this property for sale. Leveraging existing features and benefits with cost effective enhancements, we specialize in consultations for sellers of all kinds, whether in occupied listings or vacant properties. Where is your WOW factor? Count on our experience and creativity to find it and show it off so everyone falls in love with it.

KEY ELEMENTS HOMESTAGING & INTERIORS SINCE 2001
COACHING SELLERS * RENTAL FURNISHINGS * COLOR CONSULTING
RESIDENTIAL AND BUSINESS INTERIORS * WINDOW COVERINGS

CALL PORTLAND’S PIONEER IN STAGING FOR A FREE QUOTE
503-515-4427

Beautiful Custom Home for sale, Bull Mtn, 12950 SW Oxalis Terrace, Tigard, OR 97223

Paula Springer A.S.P. (Key Elements Inc. Home Staging & Interiors) — Thu, 22 Jan 2009 11:58:07 -0600

4 BR, 3.1 bath high quality 3898 s.f custom home in desirable location; Beaverton Schools. $699, 900.

** MLS# 8088209 ** Contact Nancy Resnick ** 503-497-2135 ** Windermere/ C&C Raleigh Hills **

Desirable Bull Mountain Location; Beaverton schools! Quality custom-built home by reknowned Ridgecrest Homes on a quiet cul-de-sac. 3898 square feet 4 bedrooms plus bonus room and loft. Large vaulted foyer leads to open plan great room with beautiful built-in wall-to-wall bookshelves. Master bedroom suite with jetted tub and separate shower, walk-in closet, sky light and high ceilings. Gourmet kitchen with granite counters and island, hardwood floors, alder cabinets, instant hot water and pantry. Daylight finished basement with large family room and fireplace with built-in cabinetry. Exterior features top of the line clear vertical grain cedar siding. 2- car attached oversized garage and lot with many trees. 1 year home warranty.

Please clickto see RMLS full report

** MLS# 8088209 ** Contact Nancy Resnick ** 503-497-2135 ** Windermere/ C&C Raleigh Hills **

Accredited Home Stager Paula Springer and the Key Elements Staging Crew partnered with the broker and seller to prepare this property for sale. Leveraging existing features and benefits with cost effective enhancements, we specialize in consultations for sellers of all kinds, whether in occupied listings or vacant properties. Where is your WOW factor? Count on our experience and creativity to find it and show it off so everyone falls in love with it.

KEY ELEMENTS INC.

STAGING & DECORATING HOMES SINCE 2001
COACHING SELLERS * RENTAL FURNISHINGS * COLOR CONSULTING
RESIDENTIAL AND BUSINESS INTERIORS * WINDOW COVERINGS

CALL PORTLAND’S PIONEER IN STAGING FOR A FREE QUOTE
503-515-4427

How Green the LeapFrog Staging?

Paula Springer A.S.P. (Key Elements Inc. Home Staging & Interiors) — Thu, 01 Jan 2009 17:08:49 -0600

This blog is in answer to Maureen's question about what we did to make the staging green to fit with the ultra-green LEED Platinum home. You can see the photos and full original blog of the LeapFrog House at:

http://activerain.com/blogsview/839213/As-GREEN-as-it-gets-541-SW-Maplecrest-Portland-OR-749K

We installed many accessories that embody the mission of greening:

Sisal rugs purchased from Environmental Building Suppllies are made from a renewable resource
Recycled glass items in the kitchen (Fire and Light Studios, purchased from Ten Thousand Villages)
Many items are made from renewable resources i.e. the seagrass basketry
Woven bamboo blinds were salvaged from our very own returned goods bin
Tarahumara nesting baskets support indigenous cultural heritage and economic viability
Benches for shoe removal by the front door to keep polluting particulates out of the house
Compact fluorescent bulbs in our lamp
Veneered wood items conserve forests though they may not sport any other green pedigree

Thanks to the realtor, the salvaged tropical hardwood dining table, benches and wooden chairs are from EcoPDX and we were able to utilize several of the seller's beautiful live plants plus a few items of their own vintage furniture.

In the staging consultation, the seller wanted to know our take on the kind of doorbell to install given the home's LEED Platinum status,. He already had an un-installed old-fashioned hand-ring bell, and after a discussion of whether a lighted electric model would better support the asking price of $749K, we supported him in using the hand-ring bell. Not only will it be a memorable first impression that sets the tone for the LEED house, but no electricity will be needed to run it and there will be no carbon footprint in running out just for a new doorbell. Plus the material on the hand ring model is all metal, whereas a new bell would likely have polyvinyl chloride based parts which created dioxin in its manufacture.

So those are the things you can SEE in the staging, but I think the answer to your question should go a bit deeper, begging another question. How green is the business we run? At Key Elements our green commitment has been long in the making since I began a career in the early 90's working with green building products. In 2001 I stepped out of the non-profit environmental building world to create Key Elements Home Staging. So we are founded upon ideas that created our green company operating platform using frameworks like The Natural Step as a basis for our philosphies. So in all our consultations, we build upon that wealth of knowledge along with our Master Home Environmentalist training with the American Lung Association. Our company patronizes a wide range of places for purchases from IKEA (supports a number of sustainablility initiatives like forest certification as a corporate mission) to Eclectic Home. So Key Elements has run a green warehouse and office since its beginning almost 8 years ago. We base our decisions on a lifecycle analysis of our impact on the planet, we buy local, conserve resources, recycle and buy recycled, and make efforts to reduce our carbon footprint when possible. At this time, the marketplace for sustainable design is demanding more products at affordable prices, so I really look forward to replenishing our retiring stock with greener and greener items in the casegoods and upholstered department, as well as making our back office and warehouse a greener world too.

541 SW Maplecrest, Portland, OR - As GREEN as it gets!

Paula Springer A.S.P. (Key Elements Inc. Home Staging & Interiors) — Tue, 16 Dec 2008 13:36:08 -0600

$689,000 Luxury Redefined: LEED Platinum Residence is Tops in Sustainability
** ML# 8101863 ** Contact David Todd at Roots Realty ** 503-267-4197 **

2600 square feet 3 BR, 2 BA Built in 2008

SCROLL DOWN FOR FULL PHOTO GALLERY

As GREEN as it gets! 2600 s.f of comfort, ease and adaptability. 3 bedroom 2 bath home features open-plan living areas with tons of natural light. Radiant heat floors benefit in comfort and conservation, as do efficiencies from water heating system, and Energy Star windows. The loft-style look features floating concrete counters, locally sourced rough-sawn beams, gorgeous Pacific Madrone butcher block counters; and beefy timber stair treads made from a tree that had to go to make way for the house. Delight in the custom cabinets, induction cooktop, convection ovens, high-end appliances, hot water accelerator, and built-in recycling center. Natural finishes in the home eliminate indoor air pollution found in most new homes from offgassing products so you’ll BREATHE easy here. Sound doable? That’s only the beginnning of the story! The superlatives that can be attributed to this home stem from its LEED Platinum status:

•    Super-insulated envelope and ground-source heat pump minimize energy demand , and OPTIONAL 6kW solar array* maximizes energy generation

•    Fully permitted potable rainwater system for nearly 100% self-sufficiency (6,000gal. underground cistern means low to zero water bills at least October - July)
•    Extremely durable, low-maintenance, non-toxic materials and finishes

•    Locally sourced, sustainable materials throughout

•    Flexible floorplan will accommodate a wide range of lifestyles

•    All within minutes of the city and just steps to Tryon Creek State Park

Located in Southwest Portland with a beautiful southern exposure. Space includes upstairs loft, dedicated office space. The 600sf bonus space allows the OPTION to build out as an apartment, master suite, or studio*. As your life and needs change, this floorplan can adapt with you. Leave the commute behind--live, work, play, and entertain at home.

Visit www.TheLeapFrogHouse.com where you’ll find detailed info on the heat pump, solar system OPTION, potable rainwater system and build-to-suit OPTION You’ll also find a description of the brilliant, collaborative forethought that has gone into designing this home and its unique systems.

** ML# 8101863 ** Contact David Todd at Roots Realty ** 503-267-4197 **
* PRICING OPTIONS AT: http://www.rootsrealty.com/ForSale/541_SW_Maplecrest_Ct_Description.htm

STAGING BY
KEY ELEMENTS INC.
HOMESTAGING & INTERIORS SINCE 2001
COACHING SELLERS * RENTAL FURNISHINGS * COLOR CONSULTING
RESIDENTIAL AND BUSINESS INTERIORS * WINDOW COVERINGS

Accredited Home Stager Paula Springer and the Key Elements Staging Crew partnered with the broker and seller to prepare this property for sale. Leveraging existing features and benefits with cost effective enhancements, we specialize in consultations for sellers of all kinds, whether in occupied listings or vacant properties. Where is your WOW factor? Count on our experience and creativity to find it and show it off so everyone falls in love with it.

CALL PORTLAND’S PIONEER IN STAGING FOR A FREE QUOTE
Paula Springer 503-515-4427

SOLD EAGLE TERRACE RANCH 5650 SE 13th Terrace Gresham, Oregon

Paula Springer A.S.P. (Key Elements Inc. Home Staging & Interiors) — Sun, 14 Dec 2008 16:49:03 -0600

5650 SE 13th Terrace Gresham, OR 97080
Pristine, hard-to-find ranch home in sought-after neighborhood

** MLS# 8108287 ** Contact Renae Douglass (503) 481-3622 Oregon First Realty **

Spacious and better-than-new 1800 sq. ft ranch home with w/3 car garage features 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms. Open the front foor onto tiled entry with vaulted ceilings that won’t quit as they continue into the large open great room and on to kitchen with skylight over work area. Extra large master suite has room for relaxing on loveseat and has Jacuzzi tub, double sinks, and big walk-in closet. Enjoy the benefits of a brand new feeling home with new carpet throughout, new bamboo floor in kitchen, wood blinds, gas fireplace, central air, and central vacuum and sprinkler system. Love the bonus trim details! Just off the kitchen is a large deck and yard beyond is beautifully landscaped front and rear. Freshly painted and always well-maintained, this quality home was built in 1998. Come see and experience why this home feels larger than its 1800 s.f. size.

MLS# 8108287 ** Contact Renae Douglass (503) 481-3622 Oregon First Realty **

Accredited Home Stager Paula Springer and the Key Elements Staging Crew partnered with the broker and seller to prepare this property for sale. Leveraging existing features and benefits with cost effective enhancements, we specialize in consultations for sellers of all kinds, whether in occupied listings or vacant properties. Where is your WOW factor? Count on our experience and creativity to find it and show it off so everyone falls in love with it.

KEY ELEMENTS INC.
HOMESTAGING & INTERIORS SINCE 2001
COACHING SELLERS * RENTAL FURNISHINGS * COLOR CONSULTING
RESIDENTIAL AND BUSINESS INTERIORS * WINDOW COVERINGS

CALL PORTLAND’S PIONEER IN STAGING FOR A FREE QUOTE
PAULA SPRINGER 503-515-4427

SOLD 2310 NW Edgewood Drive Portland, OR - English Cottage style Condo on the Park in Forest Heights

Paula Springer A.S.P. (Key Elements Inc. Home Staging & Interiors) — Thu, 16 Oct 2008 22:09:18 -0500

2/13/09 THIS GORGEOUS STAGING PACKAGE COULD BE IN YOUR LISTING SOON!

Forest in the rear, common green in the front! Steps to the Village Center, parks and trails.

** MLS# 8099350 ** Contact Pamela Monheimer ** 503-970-8666** Prudential NW Properties **

2 BR, 2.5 BA 1464 SQUARE FEET
English Cottage style home in Mint condition! Charming free-standing 1464 s.f. condo with shake roof has $20K in upgrades and fresh paint. Better than new with granite counters, brazilian cherry floors and staircase, carpets upstairs, gas fireplace with gorgeous wood surround and mantle. Kitchen opens to dining area with big view of trees galore! Gas appliances. Master has two closets, one is daylit. Second bedroom with private bath ! Den/office overlooks the forest. Large utility room has new $3000+ built-ins and cheery blue&white tile floor. Private deck in the sun. Very desirable home in a very desirable neighborhood.

** MLS# 8099350 ** Contact Pamela Monheimer ** 503-970-8666** Prudential NW Properties **

Accredited Home Stager Paula Springer and the Key Elements Staging Crew partnered with the broker and seller to prepare this property for sale. Leveraging existing features and benefits with cost effective enhancements, we specialize in consultations for sellers of all kinds, whether in occupied listings or vacant properties. Where is your WOW factor? Count on our experience and creativity to find it and show it off so everyone falls in love with it.

KEY ELEMENTS INC. STAGING & INTERIORS SINCE 2001
COACHING SELLERS * RENTAL FURNISHINGS * COLOR CONSULTING
RESIDENTIAL AND BUSINESS INTERIORS * WINDOW COVERINGS

CALL PORTLAND’S PIONEER IN STAGING FOR A FREE QUOTE
503-515-4427

2442 SE Sherman, Portland, OR - Close-in Colonial Heights Bungalow $478,000

Paula Springer A.S.P. (Key Elements Inc. Home Staging & Interiors) — Thu, 02 Oct 2008 13:16:31 -0500

Close-in Colonial Heights Bungalow $478,000 at 2442 SE Sherman, Portland, OR
Walk score is 88 ! … A very walkable -and very desirable- neighborhood !!

** MLS# 8095147 ** Contact Donna Peters &/or Candy Carr ** 503-416-7642 or 238-1700** Meadows Group Inc., Realtors. **

Charming 1914 home with easy access to a full array of shops and cafes on Hawthorne / Division Streets. 2410 s.f. 3+ bedroom home with 2 full baths features gorgeous bungalow detailing, sturdy oak and fir floors, fireplace with wide mantle, period fixtures, pocket doors, granite countertops, terracotta tile, built-in library, Craftsman staircase. Floorplan has great circular flow throughout the main level with the large living room area opening to formal dining area and flowing to the library and back to the front door. Kitchen with sunny breakfast area accesses mudroom, back door and stairs to lower level bonus room/ full bath (possible 4th bedroom). On the second floor, see the fireworks from 2 out of three bedrooms. Master has walk-in closet and view of the city. Great wallcolors throughout…many rooms freshly painted. Outside, enjoy new landscaping from the backyard deck...many flowering plants and trees in front and back yard. A gardener’s delight with garage. Dishwasher, refridgerator, gas range included. See Virtual Tour at http://www.visualtour.com/shownp.asp?SK=13&T=1688271

** MLS# 8095147 ** Contact Donna Peters &/or Candy Carr ** 503-416-7642 or 238-1700** Meadows Group Inc., Realtors. **

Accredited Home Stager Paula Springer and the Key Elements Staging Crew partnered with the broker and seller to prepare this property for sale. Leveraging existing features and benefits with cost effective enhancements, we specialize in consultations for sellers of all kinds, whether in occupied listings or vacant properties. Where is your WOW factor? Count on our experience and creativity to find it and show it off so everyone falls in love with it.

www.keyelements.net

KEY ELEMENTS INC. STAGING & INTERIORS SINCE 2001
COACHING SELLERS * RENTAL FURNISHINGS * COLOR CONSULTING
RESIDENTIAL AND BUSINESS INTERIORS * WINDOW COVERINGS

CALL PORTLAND’S PIONEER IN STAGING FOR A FREE QUOTE at 503-515-4427

SOLD!! Urban Living! Contemporary Townhouse @ 1633 NE Clackamas, Portland, OR $329,900

Paula Springer A.S.P. (Key Elements Inc. Home Staging & Interiors) — Mon, 22 Sep 2008 19:22:24 -0500

A walk score of 83 means CONVENIENT in a big way!

SOLD AFTER ONLY 9 DAYS ON THE MARKET!!!!

Upscale urban living within this close-in 3-story townhome with NO HOA fees. Incredible natural light through large windows falls upon lush carpet and gorgeous hardwood floors throughOUt this contemporary design. The functional open floor plan includes 2 beds and 2 1/2 baths. Master bedroom has walk-in closet, French doors open to balcony, high ceilings and double vanity in the master bath. For those with green living in mind the home is not only efficient, but also allows for a convenient walk to the NE Broadway shops, restaurants, Max line, and Lloyd Center, or travel just minutes to downtown, I-5 and I-84. Don’t miss the private back patio area for BBQs or a possible outdoor spa. The home also has a attached garage, which could make for great additional living space.

** MLS# 8091325 ** Contact Jeff Capen ** 503-888-5191 ** Remax Equity Group, inc. **

** MLS# 8091325 ** Contact Jeff Capen ** 503-888-5191 ** Remax Equity Group, inc. **

Accredited Home Stager Paula Springer and the Key Elements Staging Crew partnered with the broker and seller to prepare this property for sale. Leveraging existing features and benefits with cost effective enhancements, we specialize in consultations for sellers of all kinds, whether in occupied listings or vacant properties. Where is your WOW factor? Count on our experience and creativity to find it and show it off so everyone buys it.

KEY ELEMENTS INC. STAGING OVER 800 HOMES SINCE 2001
COACHING SELLERS * RENTAL FURNISHINGS * COLOR CONSULTING
RESIDENTIAL AND BUSINESS INTERIORS * WINDOW COVERINGS

CALL PORTLAND’S PIONEER IN STAGING FOR A FREE QUOTE
503-515-4427

CLASSIC RANCH HOME @ 3424 SW Hamilton Court, Portland, OR lists at $572,500

Paula Springer A.S.P. (Key Elements Inc. Home Staging & Interiors) — Sat, 20 Sep 2008 21:17:27 -0500

3424 SW Hamilton Court, Portland, OR
IMPECCABLE CLASSIC RANCH HOME
*** BRIDLEMILE AREA ***

This classic 4 BR 3 BA daylight ranch home sits pretty on the landscape in a serene cul de sac. Maintained to perfection inside and out. Pure quality! Original red oak hardwood floors discovered under carpet had been preserved for 40 years in new condition. Wow! Terrific floor plan. Great kitchen counterspace under skylights and cozy woodstove adjoins as you exit to rear covered deck. Big fun family room with full bar and fireplace - pool table stays! Large laundry/craft room and huge workshop/studio. Beautiful well-maintined grounds. 2008 exterior and interior paint, luxurious brand new wool carpet in master bedroom. 2005 water heater,1991 25-year roof, 1999 deck, new gas hot water heater… There's so much more! Come see ! Ready to move-in and move ON!

** MLS# 8084609 ** Contact Cindy Ludwig ** 503-422-5186 ** Coldwell Banker BSSP **
Living room as seen from dining area

** MLS# 8084609 ** Contact Cindy Ludwig ** 503-422-5186 ** Coldwell Banker BSSP **

Accredited Home Stager Paula Springer and the Key Elements Staging Crew worked with the broker and seller to prepare this property for sale. Leveraging existing features and benefits with cost effective enhancements, we specialize in consultations for sellers of all kinds, whether in occupied listings or vacant properties. Where is your WOW factor? Count on our experience and creativity to find it and show it off so everyone falls for it.

KEY ELEMENTS INC. STAGING OVER 800 HOMES SINCE 2001
COACHING SELLERS * RENTAL FURNISHINGS * COLOR CONSULTING
RESIDENTIAL AND BUSINESS INTERIORS * WINDOW COVERINGS

CALL PORTLAND’S PIONEER IN STAGING FOR A FREE QUOTE
503-515-4427

New Best Friends and Deep Staging

Paula Springer A.S.P. (Key Elements Inc. Home Staging & Interiors) — Mon, 07 Jan 2008 00:02:39 -0600

Oregon Realtor Todd Clarke and I have never met, but through AR he has shown me the way to a fabulous new marketing vehicle I think is my new best friend...or is Todd my new best friend for showing it to me? Hmmmm...Anyway, I want to share with you. Perhaps you are already familiar with what can be done with Photobucket Slideshows (have you seen Todd's fabulous show of old timey barns on his profile page?) So if you already know Photobucket, then hopefully you’d be curious about the staging we do here at Key Elements. Here’s our newest marketing tool….

The house you see here is currently on the market for $539,000.00 and contains an all new collection of furniture, plus we consulted on just about everything there was to decide on for this project…exterior color, interior color, flooring, carpet, tile, granite, lighting, deck material, room addition plans and more! It was a complete fixer, so I know you know what the “before” shots looked like! Kitchens and baths were gutted and reconfigured and all the wallpaper had to go! We call this our Complete Staging Concept, or sometimes I will call it Deep Staging for the fun of coining a term. So anyway I am working on a number of presentations with Photobucket and am so thrilled with the many uses of this web based photo service, of which there are more than I know. Check it out at www.photobucket.com. NOTES ADDED ON 1/13/08 Here is a sidenote I believe will be of interest... All of those familiar with the project who were shown the slideshow, including the contractor, realtor and me, had no issues with the speed of the show. We were used to seeing those images. Familiars. But almost all of those below new to the project wanted more time to soak up the details. Doesn't this illustrate why home sellers need stagers? Homesellers' familiarity with their homes creates the need for stagers to help focus the buyer so they too can soak up the details!

REPLACING THE STAGE-MOBILE

Paula Springer A.S.P. (Key Elements Inc. Home Staging & Interiors) — Sun, 15 Jul 2007 13:00:14 -0500

I am absolutely amazed that I have grown my staging business as far as I have owning a Volkswagon Jetta. The commercials ARE right showing how much cargo can fit into the little bugger. It is so funny to hear what people think when I pull up and pop out two six foot trees and several big plastic bins of accessories, plus a cart of tools, a steamer, an aluminum ladder and whatever floral things grace the rear window.

Thus far, I achieve the necessary expanded ‘corporate fleet’ with cargo van and box truck rentals. Have not as yet been able to justify financially the purchase of our own cargo vehicle, but that day will soon come. Meanwhile, it is time to replace my everyday company-owned Jetta with a more appropos staging vehicle. I consider myself to lead a green lifestyle, and cannot imagine using a van or SUV for daily running with as little fuel economy they offer, though bio-diesel capabilities would make a van/SUV viable for me.

So today I begin the search for the perfect new stage-mobile, with maximal storage capacity AND good gas mileage. Maybe I can work in the bio-diesel. Initial research shows the Scion xB getting better ratings on Consumer Reports than Honda Element, with $5K less price. Scion starts at $17K. Thinking larger, I undertand the Dodge Sprinter, made by DaimlerChrysler, is offered as diesel in the European markets, which would be the bio-diesel choice, however, they are priced nearer to $35K and maybe more for the diesel.

There must be many other choices and ideas waiting to emerge. Would anyone care to join in a discussion of staging vehicles with me?

MOOD ENHANCERS IN A WHITE WORLD

Paula Springer A.S.P. (Key Elements Inc. Home Staging & Interiors) — Sat, 09 Jun 2007 21:36:00 -0500

MOOD ENHANCERS IN A WHITE WORLD

So its white white white and Mr. & Mrs. Sellers say they won’t paint a thing? Add sizzle with décor and art in warm monochromatic color schemes that use three colors directly next to each on the on the color wheel – in this case yellow, yellow-orange and orange for a summer sale. Add interest with some “eyeliner”, meaning espresso browns and blacks. The mood is a united feeling of warmth and joy. Continue into the master bath with color splashes in the same vein, with a not-so-subtle reference to the sun, and the Pacific Northwest feels like sunny California!

My painting is what I call a COLOR FIELD painting. I used two tubes of acrylic paint, one yellow and the other orange-yellow. For the first coat, I used a mini sponge roller that comes with a tray and watered down the paint for a wash effect. The second color, orange-yellow, was applied while the first was still wet, but not thinned out so the end result has a bit of depth. Next, a spiral motion with a 2” angle brush, a finally use the other end of the brush (that’s right, the handle!) in a spiral motion that SCRAPES through all layers of paint. Here you see the largest of a collection of the yellow paintings in graduated sizes. Hung alone or together as a collection, they have an enormous welcome and warming effect for little more than the cost of a canvas, which is about $50 for the large size.

By the way, the poster bed, dresser, sofa and dining table were provided by the client, with all other items added in our staging package. Other touches throughout the small condo keep the same tone and feeling for a memorable experience in a modestly priced complex. We were somewhat challenged by the existing furniture, and opted to purchase the honey-colored Asian-style coffee and end tables from Pier 1 to pull off the living room, which is in the same room as the dining room where the blond maple table sits.

So about the white now, once again I have made it apparent to the realtor (who paid for the staging and has not introduced me to the seller) that painting some walls would be very VERY VERRRRY effective in getting this condo some attention. It has been nearly 30 days on the market...can you believe it? I plan to approach the realtor this coming week to propose some painting!!!

Stay Tuned for more MOOD ENHANCERS IN A WHITE WORLD.

RU Experienced... at REFACING OLD OAK CABINETS?

Paula Springer A.S.P. (Key Elements Inc. Home Staging & Interiors) — Fri, 08 Jun 2007 16:47:39 -0500

RU Experienced...at REFACING OLD OAK CABINETS?

A new client wants to reface kitchen cabinets, with new paint on existing cabinet boxes, and new door and drawer fronts painted to match. They can have the boxes removed for painting off-site, as the countertops will be removed.

Has anyone got any experience with this?

Any idea on cost? I hear it can cost less than 50% of replacing, but that is only a rumor at this point.
Any tips on what not to do?
Any bright questions you want to suggest they ask the contractors they interview?

I hear SEARS has a service and can also find many other refacers listed on Angie's list and in the various directories, but in general I like to have experience using them before referring. So for this job, 3 to 4 referrals will be offered with a caveat that we have never worked with this company before, but here are questions you might want to ask before inviting them to your home for a FREE estimate. Thank you for any insights you may be able to offer.

Best Bang for the Buck?

Paula Springer A.S.P. (Key Elements Inc. Home Staging & Interiors) — Thu, 31 May 2007 14:54:34 -0500

Paint Exterior or Replace Blue Carpeting?

Languishing on the market, the vacant home has been staged with minimalist vignettes and I have recommended any budget go toward changing the worn and dated blue carpeting on main floor and second floor. Instead, 3 months after the vignetting was installed, the seller has chosen an exterior paint job on a house that only marginally needs it in a neighborhood where color on the outside is only somewhat of an issue.

Just for the record, a quick show of hands please from the staging community on which is the most effective use of the budget:

THE WORN, DATED BLUE CARPET

THE EXTERIOR PAINT JOB

And why not keep an eye on this one? I will report back in a couple weeks to see if the exterior paint has turned the tide for this house!

Is it Cool to email a Blog? And how to do it?

Paula Springer A.S.P. (Key Elements Inc. Home Staging & Interiors) — Tue, 24 Apr 2007 14:48:00 -0500

Greetings! Please advise, as the Paulasystem is new to the blog universe...What is the protocol around using blog material and sending the actual blog as an email? Is that kosher? (Maybe you can refer me to a blog on that topic!!! ) Of course, I guess sending a link to a blog is OK, but that would not be my preference on the particular one I an thinking of.

If it is OK, is there someone who wouldn't mind suggesting how I might do this ?

Thank you thank you honorable bloggers!

VACANT STAGING INSURANCE MYSTERIES

Paula Springer A.S.P. (Key Elements Inc. Home Staging & Interiors) — Sun, 15 Apr 2007 21:03:13 -0500

Let's talk about insurance for rented furniture that sits in a property for sale.

In the state of Oregon, stager's insurance is not adequately covering a serious source of potential loss. We can buy coverage for everything but THEFT BY MYSTERIOUS ENTRY. That means if there are no signs of a break-in, there is no coverage. So we've lost some things over the years, a couple of substantial hits, and have taken a few precautions to limit our exposure to more losses.

Homeowners who have moved out cannot or won't get coverage because if there is a claim, they can have a problem getting covered in their new home. The insurance industry needs to help us by offering increased coverage for stagers at a reasonable cost.

Has anybody got any ways around taking such risk? We have taken the following precautions to do business in this climate:

1.   Just say NO when you are not comfortable with the circumstances. This could be about the neighborhood, the seller, the realtor. Trust your intuition.
2.   Write into your contract that all lockboxes and keys other than those in the Realtor lock box must be removed the day the stagers move in. Find out if family members or neighbors have keys too and politely request they be rounded up if not already.
a.   Require that all contractor work be done before move-in, not only to reduce risk, but to keep drywall dust off your duds. That way, the contractor lockbox can be removed.
3.   Photograph everything before you leave the day you move in, and every day you are working on the project up until showtime.
4.   Never leave your toolkit on the job site.
5.   Make an inventory of each item in the final staging, either from the photos, or from the final walk through.
6.   Personally check all window locks to be sure they work.
7.   Schedule a return to check on it. Look again at the window locks at that time.

Once pretty early in my staging career, I was really desperate to earn income on my staging props. So here comes an opportunity, a model in a townhouse complex. The neighborhood was sketchy, and so I explained the potential for losses if someone were to leave a door unlocked and return thieve and pillage. I was ready to say no to the job, but the seller was insistent on staging and we came up with a 3-way Warranty. We listed and valued every piece of décor, and added a contract addendum where three parties (Seller, Realtor, and my company) all agreed to split any potential losses.) Good thing we did, as $4300.00 of props were taken. Unbelievebly, one of the partners in the townhouse complex had left the garage door unlocked because I we asked that no key be left under the mat!!! In the end, I was paid 2/3 of the value, and had to figure I had derived value greater than 1/3 already with all the use I had gotten from it.

I really don’t suggest being in a position to use the 3-way Warranty. I really don’t like the risk that I take without it. Even in a “good” neighborhood, rugs and artwork have been taken without forced entry.

Lately, my marketing is focused on higher-end jobs to reduce risk. I love security buildings, but I still do not want to leave out a significant slice of the market, so we stage onward and hope for solutions.

What is it like for the rest of you? Does your state cover MYSTERIOUS LOSS? How can stagers in risky states approach the insurance industry for increased coverage?