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From everything I’m reading these days, it seems that Americans just have too much stuff. A huge number of garages can’t fit cars because they are used for storage. People are even moving to larger homes to accommodate their growing piles of stuff. Which is crazy! All the excess is NOT improving the quality of your life and maybe you can live without a good part of it. When I stage a home to sell, I regularly have the client put about a third to a half of their belongings into storage. Too much stuff is visually unappealing, adds to the feeling of clutter, and makes rooms feel smaller. Even if you’re not moving, it’s hard to find the time to sort, organize and manage lots of possessions. Think about the time spent moving piles around trying to clean, the time spent looking for something to wear, and time spent looking for “lost” things. It adds stress to your life! So in 2013, make it a priority to not buy anything new unless it is really something special, and donate/sell the things you don’t need anymore.

2013 is just around the corner! What can we expect for next year?

The eco-friendly focus on using sustainable/reclaimed materials continues in 2013, along with gray as the the main neutral. Raw wooden surfaces, and combinations of wood and metal will also continue (mixing modern and rustic.)

Wall paper is back-but not your grandmother’s wall paper. Modern, bold patterns.

As far as color, everyone seems to have differing opinions on what the next hot color will be. We’ll have to wait and see! Happy holidays, everyone…talk to you in the new Year!

It’s fireplace season , and there’s some really cool stuff out there. I’m really fond of the new concrete surrounds. They’re earthy, rustic and modern.

My favorite Christmas decorations are made of natural materials. It provides an understated color palette and an organic quality that looks great with any décor. Of course you must add a little bling, or it can be a bit drab. Take a look.

“Color, texture and luster are equal partners when it comes to endowing a room with enduring visual interest and tactile pleasure”. -Jaime Drake, New American Glamour

Just love this room!

Nothing wrong with bright orange pumpkins, cornucopias and plates with painted turkeys at Thanksgiving….but if you’re looking for a change, there are other ways to make your home extra beautiful this Thanksgiving!

First, choose a fall color palette that works with your existing décor.  Rather than the traditional colors of bright orange and yellow, try deep cranberry red, plum, aubergine, wheat and chocolate brown. These colors are a little more understated, and easier to work into your existing color scheme.

Next add a touch of  bright color…maybe flower blossoms or brightly colored autumn leaves on the table.

Incorporate natural items such as branches, cranberries, apples and pears, acorns, & chestnuts. They look great in clear glass bowls or tall glass cylinders. I call it “ rustic/sophisticated”. It goes really well with more modern décor…a little more hip!

Also, keep the Thanksgiving table simple. One way to do that is choosing solid colored table linens.

Patterns can overwhelm the table really quickly. Go for uncluttered. Maybe cream colored mini pumpkins and candles. Gorgeous.  Add a roaring fire, and you are good to go!

Your home is exactly that….yours. A place you can be comfortable and still express your style. A place you love to come home to. But what if you don’t know how to make that happen? That’s where a Home Stylist (that’s me) comes in. From helping you rearrange the furniture for optimal placement, picking paint, and choosing art & accessories to pull it all together, I can style and update your whole home, one room at a time. I can connect you with local stores and trades people to help you get any projects done fast. I will show you how to incorporate new finds with the things you already own and love.  Make the choice to redesign your home…you won’t be sorry.

“To design your house, you need to know who you are, how you live, and most important, how you dream of living.” Moll Anderson, The Seductive Home

I frequently arrange furniture on the bias because it can make a room feel larger. And when you are trying to stage/sell a home, the feeling of spaciousness is very important.  Diagonal placement is also unexpected and interesting, making a boring room come to life.

You can do this successfully in your own home, but just be aware that it eats up a lot of space, so it is not meant for really small rooms.  The trick is to keep it simple, with just a few pieces. By not placing furniture along the walls, open floor space is created in the corners, and it’s a great place for additional lighting. Up-lights work well. Also the room needs to have a focal point such as a fireplace or picture window. One can be created with a beautiful armoire if you don’t have one. Placing the sofa and chairs at a 45 degree angle draws the eye right to that focal point.