House Staging your Home

This Chicago home staging in an occupied home was the perfect recipe for a beautiful, sell-able home.  The paint colors were great, furnishings fine, but this space seldom used, became the drop spot for stuff... With a lovely sun room off one side, a focal point fireplace and plenty of room for friends and family, this space needed to be a Family Room.

BEFORE: Seldom used rooms in occupied homes sometime become a drop-off place for stuff... When selling, every space has to look fabulous, have purpose, showcase its best points and invite the buyer in!

AFTER: A family room revealed! From a lovely layout with proper flow, an invitation to conversation, and highlighted fireplace - This now market ready family hub is ready to attract a buyer and function while on the market!

HERE'S A FEW THINGS WE DID TO HOUSE STAGE THIS SPACE:

1. Clear the clutter.  Remove EVERYTHING from this room before you arrange and style.

2. Find the good stuff.  We retrieved products that we thought fit best in the room, appealed to the ideal target buyer, helped define the room and showcased the best features.

3. Arrange for walkways. With multiple entries to this room - Sun room to left, garage to the right and staircase behind - The furnishing welcome in the buyer, and showcase clear walking patterns.

4. Light it right.  In a darker room, make sure that there is plenty of light to illuminate - Remove window treatments, upgrade bulbs, add lighting and use furniture pieces that light-up.

5. Simple Style - When staging a room, a few well placed accessories bring a sense of continuity and comfort.  From pillows, to scaled walled art, styling the room is an important component.

4 Interior Decorating Trends Straight from Market

To Market To Market -2012 4 Interior Decorating Trends Straight from Market


Reprinted from High Point Market newsletter, photos & comments by me.

For 2012, ethnic embellishments abound, over sized botanicals are in bloom, metallics make their mark on all things home decor and bold graphic patterns make furnishings come alive.

All that glitters

Look for a range of metals, from bronze and copper to platinum, gold and silver - Metallic, gilded and shimmering finishes turn ordinary decor into luxurious pieces that pack a punch. With lux finishes on, hints of metallic in upholstery fabrics and shimmering precious metal glazes on earthenware, the look is honest and wholesome without being kitschy.


Vanguard console by Horchow

 Try adding an accent piece of furniture in a metallic.



















Pattern-happy

Reproduced on textiles and incorporated into accent furniture, geometrics now lead the way. "Mid-century design undergoes a bold renovation rendered with an artist's perspective and equally vivid palette," writes Tracy Bulla for Home Accents Today. Graphic patterns come alive in brightly contrasting color combinations or look elegantly subdued in chic neutrals.

If the vivid colors and print are too much for you, try them in neutrals.



Arhaus Room




Cultural influence



Pouf by West elm

 Inspired by global trends, 2012's patterns and motifs blend the texture and color of old-world looks with modern decor. Textiles are inspired by temples in Thailand, while rugs feature Moorish motifs and Moroccan patterning. Also look for African kuba cloths, Central Asian suzani prints, ikats, Scandinavian designs, intricate Indian handiwork and Chinese medallions, lotus blooms and anything dragon-related. The ethnic trend also finds inspiration close to home, as Native American dream-catchers, feathers and tribal patterns influence decoration and print.

Us textiles from pouf coverings to window wardrobes to spice up your space!



Fresh blooms

Trend Bible's spring/summer 2012 forecast, Palm Springs, features a laid-back West Coast-style that encompasses a tropical backdrop, "loud patterns with exuberant florals" and "abstract patterning." This thriving trend showcases bold, unexpected color palettes on upholstery, pillows, tablecloths, rugs and wallpaper, and botanical prints as wall decor.

Retro is all the rage- from over sized florals to abstract lattice patterns - Mix and Match has never looked so good.





Mid Winter Tea with Friends



See my Board on Pinterest

 As I was perusing the produce isle at Walmart this morning, I came across a culinary delight from my days in sunny California - Meyer Lemons. Meyer lemons are a  lemon that is so tender and sweet  you can almost eat them like an orange. Two of my friends Christi and Ruth have them bountifully in their yards perpetually ready for a dish or drink. I miss that part of living there...

With this spring like weather we're having here in Chicago, why wouldn't we think like Californians, maybe for a day or two...
Those bright yellow globes got me thinking - A little break from the grey skies, brown grass and bare trees. Just a little bit of sunshine, a few favorite friends and a bit of a chat - A Lemonade "Tea" Party?
From invitations to cucumber sandwiches, check out my pins on Pinterest.

My Pin Board on Pinterest.com

Tips on Selling Your Home During the Holidays

As the weather outside gets frightful, and people are focused on Black Friday sales and what Roast Beast they'll be serving is there hope for those who have their home FOR SALE?

A home can be sold during the holidays if you apply a few rules and stage your home properly.

Here in Chicago, our winter holidays are an open invitation to go WAY over board with the concept of "Decking the Halls" -With too many trims, lights and blow-up seasonal icons bellowing on our front yards.

Deck the halls in key "Showcase" areas of your home - Such as your kitchen island.

My business, Reinventing Space  had the pleasure to be featured a few weeks ago in a clever and informative article on Selling Your Home During the Holidays in the Chicago Tribune - "Make holiday home sale a reality."




Here is some key advice from the article:

•Those left combing the market during November and December are typically more serious about the home hunt, Spreen said. They might include families relocating for job changes, first-timers ready to leap during a slow market, and those who've recently sold a home and need a new place to live.

•"You'll have fewer showings, but they'll be more powerful," said Dennis Dooley, managing broker with Prudential Rubloff Properties. Holiday season buyers are typically "motivated and financially ready," he added.

•Deck the halls with restraint. Holiday decorations make homes festive and buyers merry. But too many ornaments, wreaths and garlands can obscure views, make rooms feel smaller and distract buyers from their true purpose: deciding whether or not your home is right for them.

•And think twice before displaying decorations specific to your religious or cultural heritage, said interior stylist Julea Joseph, owner of Reinventing Space in Palos Park, since it makes it more difficult for others who don't share your background or beliefs to envision themselves living in the space.

•Photographs should picture the home as it appears in the current season, but sellers may want to capture and post additional shots of summer landscaping to give a hint of what lies ahead.

•Tap the spirit. Light the fireplace if you have one. Decorate with a pretty throw. Make your home cozy, and someone else might want to nest there.

•Clear the schedule. Since buyers are likely to be fewer in number during the dark days of winter, be ready to accommodate the interest you do have.

Deck the halls "lite" when your home is on the market during the holidays.

Since 1999, certified interior stylist Julea Joseph has owned Chicago area based interiors and home staging business - Reinventing Space. Your can see her work on HGTV or in the news giving homeowners expert insight on how to refresh, style and celebrate their space -Whether staging their home to go on the market, just settling in, or just in need of a change.  Julea also offers her expertise with mentoring and certification educational offerings to Realtors, Home Stagers and Interior Redesigners in the industry. Visit her site, JULEA.com or Interior Stylist Program. For more information 708.448.7500 or email her at Julea@Julea.com.

Sassy Wraps are Back & Just in Time for Holiday Giving!

It's Comfy and Chic!

Wear Multiple ways!

Super chic, super toasty and you'll be the favorite gift giver with these smashing wraps.  We have two different wraps for the cold weather season:  Both with the classic 2 big button closure, so you can wear them many ways.

Take your wrap to the restaurant, church, airport or a cuddle on the couch.
Email me @ Julea@Julea.com to order!

Riverton - Khaki

The classic Riverton:  This go anywhere companion, is a delightful light weight knit. PRICE: $29.95

Winter Wardrobe Colors: 

• Khaki
• Eggplant
• Chocolate
• Winter White
• Black
• Red 

Davenport in Oatmeal

The Davenport - Cabled.  The perfect companion for jeans, cold offices and paired over a coat.  PRICE $32.95

Winter Wardrobe Colors:

• Oatmeal
• Wheat
• Black
• Red



Davenport in Red

Making Your Home for the Holidays

With fall well on its way, a bit of frost on the dawn lawns, and the rich colors of autumn making way to subtle shades of whites and grays;  the Holiday Season is drawing near.  Most of us will happily host some sort of soiree, entertain a gathering of family and friends and  just want to fuss and primp our space in celebration of this very special time of year!

Here are some timely tips and helpful hints for November to help make your home for the holidays.

Make it Cozy:  From changing our pillows to unfolding those warm throws. nothing speaks “cozy” than creating an environment rich in comfort. Consider swapping out those silk or cotton pillows with ones enveloped in velvet, felted wool or knits (many retailers now offer just pillow covers to make the switch more budget and space friendly.) Consider investing in a faux fur or hand knit cabled throw to make that living room sofa or favorite chair a cold day cocoon.



A rich throw changes the mood of the room.

 Overstock's Mongolian-Wool-Fur-Throw

 Vern Yip for HSN - Wool felt pillow










Light the Way: Lighting on dimmers will set the festive felling for your home. Create ambiance and mood by putting your plug in lighting on dimmers. You’ll love the results and also set the stage for your Christmas twinkles as well. Swap out your bulbs for “Reveal” bulbs that cast a softer hue. You room's hue and your complexion will thank you. Candle light is also a wonderful gem to make your home inviting and fulfill the senses.   From clean burning soy to battery operated wonders, the flicker and soft scent from candles make any environment happy.



Floral Arrangement in Silver Bucket

Add a Bit of Sparkle: Nothing says “Entertain in Style” more than shine and sparkle. Dig out that silver and get it polished. From footed punch bowls or ice buckets hosting a floral arrangement to serving trays showcasing powder room toiletries or a holiday vignette, silver makes everything look rich (whether plated or not!) You can also use this trick of the trade with metal such as copper, gold, brass or nickel.



Celebrate the Heirlooms: We have inherited or collected items with lifelong meaning. From vintage finds to pass down treasures; this time of year is the perfect time to pull out these special pieces. Dress up your Holiday Buffet by using Grandma’s tea cup collection as salt cellars, or butter pat holders. That French Antique Bird Cage can be a show stopper display on your foyer entry table with snow dusted sprigs, nest, and berries tucked inside. Reinvent your China Cabinet with a mix of old photos, ornaments and such to give your dining room a bit of ancestry.

Antique Bird Cage from Home Decorators

Check back next month for December’s list…

Lunch & Learn Broker's Open - Tips & Techniques

Today I'll be partnering at a Lunch  Learn Broker's Open at a vacant home that I staged.  It's a great opportunity to showcase my client's home, promote my work and create partnerships with the Realtor and vendors I worked with on this project.

We've set the scene from 11-1 with a Home Staging tips and techniques workshop, a guided tour of the home, catered food and sassy invitations to locals - both Realtors and Clients.

My workshop is titled  5 Home Staging “Musts” in This Market

- On my end, I'll be bringing some simple floral arrangements to create a bit of home ambiance, workshop pass-outs and gift bags with my marketing materials and mini color fan decks from Pottery Barn.

Broker's Open - Open House Gift Bags & Goodies

As a Home Staging Professional, don't stop at the staging, continue packaging the home by offering your expertise and talents in marketing the home as well!

Julea Joseph of Reinventing Space has created her own recipe for success with her signature Interior Stylist Philosophy. She helps you develop your style, celebrate your home and makes the most of what you already own.



Julea has been featured in countess articles in newspapers and magazines, HGTV’s “Decorating Cents,” “My First Place,” and array of Chicago TV, and even hosts two hometown cable Cooking & Decorating shows. Over the past 8 years her expertise has extended to educational forums ranging from industry certification educator, library workshops to a Board of Realtors Instructor.