Stage that fridgie!

This is one of my pet peeves when I look at photos of houses on the market. You often see fridgies that are so covered w/ stuff, you barely know what the fridgie itself looks like (this one isn't THAT cluttered). It only takes a few seconds to remove the coupons, magnets and other things. And don't forget to de-clutter and clean the top. Even if the fridgie isn't staying in the house, you still want to give the impression that all the appliances are clean and in working order.

Because fridgies are not cheap to purchase, you don't want to give the future buyer the impression that you haven't cared for it. So give it a once-over w/ a magic eraser or paper towel w/ soap or cleaner and let it shine. Pay special attention to the water dispenser area, too.

Lighten up!

If you really want to make an impression, lighten up! Remove that dated, dark furniture and add some fresh, airy pieces. Look at the "before staging" photo. The furniture really makes this room look heavy and it's such a contrast to the white background. It is also crowded w/ too much furniture.

                                       
Now check out the "after staging" photo w/ lighter colored furniture and elimination of the red love seat. In addition, this homeowner decided to add granite in the kitchen. (Granite is less costly than it used to be and a very good option for updating your kitchen). The entire room has a different feel by looking larger and fresh.  

           

Vignette, anyone?

Before I first started staging, I wasn't sure what this sophisticated, quirky word meant. It is simply a 'small grouping of objects that create a focal point in a room.' They are easy to achieve and fun to put together. They should be arranged in groups of odd numbers. Here is an example of a plain space in a kitchen compared to a pleasing vignette. Vignettes add a pop of color and definite interest to the room. Have fun w/ designing vignettes!

Kitchen corner that is bland and lacks interest

Simple, yet effective vignette that adds color and a focal point 

What Is Your Definition Of Success?

I am reading an excellent book about being the best entrepreneur you can be. It is called "The Entrepreneur Roller Coaster." Let me assure you that having a business is absolutely a roller coaster ride!! This book has changed my mind about success. (And the author is most-assuredly a very wealthy man). Most people equate success w/ a dollar amount or by how many toys they have. While it is favorable to have nice things and some 'jangle in your pocket,' it's not the most important thing to a successful business. PEOPLE are the most important thing. Success comes in many forms. Do you take time to let your staff know how much they mean to you? Do you project the kind of leader you want to be? Do you try to have FUN at work? Do you have/get the proper help for employees who are struggling? How you treat people and foster them is paramount, especially in business. A not-quite-completed nuclear power plant is closing in SC and more than 5,000 people are losing their jobs. I hope the leaders of this project take a hard, long look at how they could have done things differently. Let's hope they will have some revelations about what to do / not do next time. A company's success starts and ends w/ people....if they invested in people instead of the bottom line, so many families would not be suffering.