Another Quick Sale

If you have ever wondered whether home staging is a worthwhile investment, here is another good example to prove that it certainly does--this home was under contract within the first 2 weeks! See the difference for yourself in these befores and afters:

Color Your World

The least expensive, most effective decorating tool is COLOR!

Nothing has a greater color impact than a fresh coat of paint! Paint colors can be used to carry a "decorative flow" throughout the home, to play up the architectural features of a room or to camouflage its defects. Color can make a small room seem larger, a dark area lighter, or a dull place bright. Depending on the function of the room, and the goal of the homeowner, color can add warmth and coziness, crisp clarity or to make a bold statement of excitement.

When selecting colors, there are many things to consider.

* Which walls to paint?

* How many colors to use?

* Where to put the accent colors?

* Which hue? Intensity? Value? Finish?

With so many choices, color selection can be a perplexing decision. At Cozy Chic Design, we use our knowledge of color and a box of over sized paint samples to guide you through the maze of questions. While the price for the Color Consultation ranges from $50 for one room, to $250 for the whole house, considerable discounts are given when the Color Consultation is purchased in conjunction with a Redesign or another Cozy Chic Decorating Service. The Color Consultation normally "pays for itself" as, included in the Consultation, are free estimates from a professional painter, and a 30% saving on Kelly Moore Paint.

As the season changes, the chill is in the air, and it gets darker and less colorful outside. What a perfect time to add some brightness and color indoors. A fresh coat of paint is great way to "Color Your World."

Why is Decorating so Important? By Janet Davison

“Why is Decorating so Important?”

“Because it is so much fun!!”
(Maybe that’s why I stage homes and decorate for a living!)

It is true, that when selling a home, staging adds to the appeal in a way that can translate into a quick sale for top dollar. (See the article in this newsletter where one of our staged home sold on the first day!) What most people do not realize, is that staging is the exact opposite of decorating.
¨ Staging de-personalizes the home -- making it possible for potential buyers to visualize themselves living in the home.
¨ Decorating, on the other hand, is a celebration of you -- the people who live in your home.

We often ask the question, “Does your home speak well of you?”

The decorating in your home should be a reflection of your personality– an extension of who you are. The “reasons” for decorating become more emotional than practical. Your home is the comfort zone for present moment living, but it also holds your family’s memories and aspirations. A recent article from Better Homes and Gardens Magazine stated, “When our home is in order, we feel good about ourselves and our place in the world.” When you better your home, you better your life. Every little improvement counts.

OK, decorating is important. What prevents people from realizing their decorating dreams? Usually three things come into play
*Cost
*Know how

*Getting started

Cozy Chic Design is here to help you on all 3 counts!
We specialize in Redesign, which is the art of moving and rearranging the furniture and accessories that you already own. While we sometimes add plants and a few accessories, most of what we use is yours already. This gives your home a beautiful look at a conservative price.

Know How – Most people know what they like, they just don’t know how to create the look. That’s OK – we do!

Getting Started – that’s simple. The answer is NOW!
In the fall months, when it starts getting colder outside and darker earlier, friends and family tend to spend more time indoors. Now is a great time to add color to your home in order to make up for the lack of color that is a part of winter.

“Does your home speak well of you?”
If your home is not saying what you want it to… We Can Help!

The Art of Stripping by Micaela R. Brancato

My introduction to stripping (furniture) began with the purchase of our dream home; the ideal country location, requiring multiple do-it-yourself projects. Although my husband did not seem as thrilled about my desire to try something new, he finally realized it was the best decision. After all, it was the only major project standing in the way of enjoying our summer. I wish I could report my first experience went smooth. Instead, I’m excited to share my lessons learned for when you get the stripping bug!

1) Be prepared for this project to take some time. Depending on item being stripped, there are several steps that may need repeating.

2) Prepping is very important. Do it right the first time, because you don’t want to stop midway to re-cover your flooring or wall paint. Supplies you will need: Stripping agent (gel or liquid), paint brushes, plastic putty knives, sandpaper, wood cleaner, painter’s tape, floor cover, new stain/paint.

3) When the directions say, ‘use a generous amount’ they are not joking. Don’t be afraid to goop it on. The thicker it is, the easier it is to remove. Otherwise, you might dislocate your wrist trying to chip it off.

4) Make sure your new stain/paint is the right color. After all that hard work, the last thing you want is to strip again. Test in an inconspicuous area or on a sheet of paper.

You might be thinking (as I was many times throughout this project), why didn’t I just hire this out or paint over the darn thing. I’m excited to report it turned out better than expected. After a little profanity and tears, I ended up feeling a huge sense of accomplishment and learned a lot. My goal was not to scare you off. In fact, the sooner you start stripping, the longer you’ll get to enjoy that item. In the end, a little muscle and hard work will add a new look, save you money, or extend the life of a sentimental item. Good luck and don’t be afraid to start stripping!

Home Organization Binder by Cozy Chic Design

For anyone who needs a little help keeping their home affairs organized, this is your lucky day! In this cute and stylish little binder, you'll find an easy to use organization process that takes you room by room and provides places to keep your home improvement receipts, paint chips, fabric swatches, flooring information, warantee information, and much much more. Whether you are preparing to sell your home, moving, or just want a little help keeping your home organized, this is a great idea for you! Call us to order 707-447-0977 or 707-455-8265 for only $15!!

Home Staging Success: Sold in One Day!

Check out the befores and afters of this cute little 3 bedroom home. The savvy home sellers called us to "lightly" stage (no major furniture pieces) before they listed on the MLS. After listing with our beautiful pictures of their staged home, the home owners held an Open House and received the offer they were looking for on the FIRST DAY! We couldn't be happier for them!

Master Bedroom Before

Master Bedroom After

Living Room Before (homeowner's couch)

Living Room After

Office Before

Office After

Guest Bedroom Before

Guest Bedroom After

Home Staging Quiz

Do you know what it takes to sell your home?

1. There are 5 days until your Open House. Your living room is filled to the brim with clutter that you don't want to throw away. What is your best option?
a) Plan a garage sale
b) Moving everything into the garage
c) Pack the clutter in boxes and store off site
d) Put things into the closet so they are not visible

2. When should a home seller begin packing for a move?
a) Before they list the home for sale
b) As soon as they list the home for sale
c) After they receive a viable offer
d) After the closing

3. When staging a room, you should:
a) Create a focal point that's related to how the buyer will use it
b) Remove furniture from each room, to make it look larger
c) Make sure lighting fixtures are clean and working
d) All of the above

4. In staging, the "Rule of Odds" states that:
a) For every 3 prospective buyers, at least one will like it
b) When accessorizing, use odd numbers of items
c) No more than 3 colors should be used in a room
d) Each room should have enough seating for 3 people

5. Affordable items that can be used for staging include:
a) Old shampoo bottles and washcloths for a "lived in" look
b) Baskets, which control clutter and add a decorative touch
c) Shoes--placed near entryways and stacked in empty closets
d) Brooms and mops, which can emphasize cleanliness

6. To make a child's room look most appealing to buyers:
a) Decorate the room with growth charts and art projects
b) De-clutter shelves and closets
c) Paint walls a bright color such as purple, green or bright red
d) All of the above

7. Which of the following factors plays a role in staging a home:
a) The smell of a home
b) The layout of furniture
c) The backyard landscaping
d) All of the above

8. The best colors for walls in a staged home are:
a) A hue that matches the dominate furniture in each room
b) Dark hues in baths/basements; light in living/bedrooms
c) Neutral colors, such as taupe and warm off-whites
d) Colors that show off your personality

9. If carpet in the hom is worn or stained, what should you do?
a) Take an allowance off the home price
b) Ask prospective buyers to imagine the potential change
c) Cover most of the floor with furniture so it is less noticeable
d) Replace the worn carpet with a neutral color

10. To make a laundry room look its best:
a) Keep counters and sinks empty and clean
b) Hang clothes to dry and open washer to show "function"
c) Keep door closed; it's not an area that you should show off
d) All of the above

Answers: 1)c 2)a 3)d 4)b 5)b 6)b 7)d 8)c 9)d 10)a