staging: Entertain with Style - 08/31/12 04:19 AM
Some will say that creating an impact with food is not their style and would rather buy it than make it. For me, cooking and creating is part of my make-up plan. I especially like to cook with you (my guest) in mind. Whether it is for a large crowd or intimate gathering, I have some ideas that may make you rethink how easy it is to entertain with style.
The first thing I do after the event and date has been set is work on a guest list and send invites out. Next priority is a menu. Will there be … (3 comments)

staging: Transforming Spaces | Creativity in Design - 08/01/12 01:11 AM
Peaceful and elegant with huge impact, this client’s space went from boring to spectacular. This loft project was literally a blank canvas with much to do to create a “turn-key”, “move‐in ready" product. This is what we did to transform the space...
Living room (right) and Dining Room (left)
The walls were green and taupe with a center island that was white painted sheetrock. As we worked on the space, the first thing we did was change the paint color to Night Horizon – by Benjamin Moore in a flat finish.
Living Room (left) and Master Bedroom (right) We wrapped the center island in aluminum that was fabricated from a local steel shop. I brought the dimensions in to their shop and picked out the big sheets to cut. The fabricator cut it immediately.


Once installed, the boring island took on a very high-end commercial kitchen look with great texture. I softened the look with 3 stools from Pier One that have cream rotatable seats and espresso stain on the legs.

Transitioning from cold and sterile to rich and comfortable, I used a double pedestal table by Hooker  that has a base painted to Lenox Cream with a distressed look with a natural distressed top that extends easily to 137”and can seat 10‐12 chairs comfortably. (See below)

The TV unit was custom installed pieces of lit glass, glass shelves, espresso floating drawers and cabinet system, mounted flat screen TV, and stackable drawers on right (not shown). The unit was approximately 140”. The contractor also made the lighting to be turned off and on from the wall outlet making it easier to dim, turn on or off. This unit was the most time consuming adventure – built right to the wall with exact precision.  (See below)
Installed conduit was used to … (1 comments)

staging: Spring Sales Are in the Air - 04/27/12 02:35 AM
Spring home sales are in the air. NO SLOW MARKET IN REAL ESTATE FOR US! This year, 2012, has been a fast-paced hit-the-ground-running year. Right out of the shoot we pended 6 homes in January, February with 15 and March 13 homes – the count is still running in April. What’s everyone complaining about?
"Photo with compliments of Showhomes Minneapolis Design Team – Woodland home"
I believe that a well-designed space evokes emotion to a buyer; resulting in a home that stands out among the other homes on the market. This house in Woodland (near Wayzata, MN) pended in less than two weeks after it was … (2 comments)