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Designing for the Stars: Happy Birthday Leo!

By
Home Stager with Owner, The Refreshed Home White Plains NY

 

Even if you are not a believer, it's always fun to check and see what the stars are SUPPOSED to hold for you. Each month we take a fun look at what makes each of our boats float, home decor-wise. This month, we wish a Happy Birthday to LEO!

Ahhh...Leo the Lion...born between July 21 and August 20...one of the easiest signs to spot, I think. A strong sign, but not usually harsh, or mean-spirited. They are just confident...very, very confident.

Leos typically have a natural ability to speak well, and lead. It's a fair statement that Leos are typically found at the top of whatever circles they are drawn to.

You'll find many in law (current Supreme Court Justices Kennedy and Breyer) and in politics (4 US Presidents). They are pioneers (Amelia Earhart, Neil Armstrong, Bella Abzug) and charmers (Tony Bennett and George Hamilton). Successful and generous (Melissa Gates, Malcom Forbes, Roberto Clemente), at the top performers with staying power (Madonna, Mick Jagger).

They are larger-than-life sports stars (Tom Brady, Walter Payton, NY Knicks Patrick Ewing, Bill Bradley and Wilt Chamberlain)-one reason the future looks bright for current Olympians LoLo Jones and Ryan Lochte. They also don't do anything on a small scale-film producers/directors Ken Burns, Alfred Hitchcock, Cecile B. DeMille, James Cameron, Dino DiLaurentis.

Intrigue seems to find them-Watergate's 'Deep Throat' William Felt and Mata Hari were both Leos. Sometimes their confidence can turn the corner into arrogance-Napoleon, and accused steroid users Barry Bonds and Roger Clemmens. And yes, art can imitate life, two of Batman's most notable Catwomen were Leos-Julie Newmar and Halle Berry.

Last-Schwartzkopf and Schwartzenaegger-both Leos...are you starting to get the picture?

Have listed more famous folks here than usual because this is the best illustration of a Leo: they are used to being seen, to being at the top, and their space needs to reflect that.

Many Leos are drawn to impressive, and expansive spaces-sometimes physically elevated ones (Leo the Lion, on his throne!). Farly adapters for the most part, but they wold not sniff disdainfully at say a set of mid 1800's original Chippendale dining chairs...as long as they were in mint condition, that is! Pedigree is important, for both quality and status.

So is luxury. Re-purposed, funky, ecclectic or retro has little place in the life of a Leo, as does most anything etheral or soft and fuzzy. Like their personality, there is little ambiguity or frothiness. Best colors are clear, deep and strong, au currant, but not garish.

Leos love to entertain, and their homes typically showcase the finest in design and materials. Silk drapes? Ehhh..silk that came from free-range butterfly farms, where classical music was played for the cocoons as the silk was being spun? Now you're talking! The music was live?? EVEN BETTER!!

OK< maybe I exaggerate..a little. But budget is a hard topic to discuss with a Leo-they can be extravagant, and who are you-a mere mortal-to offer counsel to Mr./Ms. Leo? Happily, funds are drawn to them almost as much as other people are.

Probably 90% of Leos are meticulouly neat and organized, the other 10% not so much-but for both cases, storage and orgazational systems will be an integral part of their home.

Here is my favorite Leo story: Years ago , I toured a big Southern plantation house on vacation. The long drive that led up to the house had a line of massive trees-sycamores, I think-on each side. Tall and majestic, their branches touched and intertwined creating a lovely sun-dappled passage, both striking and grand.

Local history says that when the original plantation owner's daughter got married, he imported many many spiders-from whenever you imported spiders in those days- and set them loose in these trees about a week before the wedding. On the morning of, he had gold dust sprinkled in the trees.

When guest arrived, they saw something quite unlike anything they had ever seen before...the gold dust was suspended in the webs, creating this shimmering canopy, welcoming them to his daughter's wedding. Safe to say he was a Leo-yes?

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Our spaces affect us profoundly...and so many other parts in our life fall into place when our spaces and possessions serve us in the best way they can. But getting there is much more than a pursuit of pleasing aesthetics.

 

Decorating and Staging are different, but much of the skill sets overlap, and each creates unique solutions that considers the needs, goals, resources, expectations, hopes and dreams of each client.

Bettering Westchester, Putnam and lower Fairfield counties since 1981, The Refreshed Home works collaboratively, and brings a thoughtful approach to the creative process. Proud to make a difference, as well as make a living. Offering specialty services such as remote and buyer consults, listing photo/video styling, guided and accompanied shopping, and accessory rental. We get in, get out, and you get on with your life.  Talk to me TODAY about how we can better your space!

  

                    

 

Marie Graham ASP, IAHSP, IDS Your Stager With A Mission!

QUESTIONS? Don't hesitate!! 914.607.2895 

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Sharon Parisi
United Real Estate Dallas - Dallas, TX
Dallas Homes

Marie, thanks for giving us a crash course in being a Leo!

Aug 02, 2012 01:35 PM
Laura Cerrano
Feng Shui Manhattan Long Island - Locust Valley, NY
Certified Feng Shui Expert, Speaker & Researcher

Yes, I agree with your "have fun with it" attitude. I like to read them after the day has passed to see if it came true lol.

 

 

Aug 02, 2012 01:36 PM
Marie Graham
Owner, The Refreshed Home White Plains NY - White Plains, NY
Westchester County Interior Decorator, Home Stager

Hi Sharon-it's funny how many hits this segment gets on my Constant Contact newsletter-people like to read this stuff, for sure!

Laura-day to day can be hit or miss, but so often the inherent personality characteristics are really pretty telling....thanks for stipping by!

Aug 05, 2012 11:04 PM