Do you have a room with "issues?" These issues can include an awkward arrangement, too much cutter/lack of organization, outdated style, and just not feeling restful or comfortable. Often it's something you just can't put your finger on, but you just know it's not right.

You might be tempted to get rid of everything and start from scratch. A dramatic but pricey and impersonal option. Better yet, take a fresh look at what you already own and (with some objective guidance) and redesign your room to work better for your specific needs. It's a new trend, and it's called "Interior Redesign."

But why is change so difficult? There are many reasons why frustrated dwellers may hesitate:

• Don't know where to start
• Don't want to spend a lot of money
• Don't have the time
• Don't trust your style instincts
• Assume your room is as good as it can be, and you'll just live with it
• Your family is resistant to change

So you've made your excuses...now snap out of it! As with most projects, getting started is the hardest part. Decide to take action, and develop a solid Redesign Plan! By breaking your project down into manageable steps, you can indeed do this!

Your plan should include the following:

• The room's purpose - who does what in that room, when do they do it and why?
• The key design elements you want to keep in the room - perhaps a favorite piece of art, a comfortable club chair, a colorful rug, your bowling trophy, whatever has the most meaning to you.
• A definition of your style - not sure? Peruse home magazines and just clip out what you like. You'll see a trend over time.
• A basic color palate - look for inspiration from a piece of art or a piece of fabric that you love.
• Furniture arrangement options - make sure there is a logical conversational grouping as well as efficient traffic flow. Resist the urge to line furniture up against a wall, and don't be afraid to try angles.
• Realistic budget if shopping is required - but first shop the other rooms of your home for hidden treasures.

Developing your redesign plan can be tricky to do yourself, however, because you are so close to your belongings. In fact, problem areas may be invisible to you. Sometimes you need a fresh perspective to think of new ideas.

You could ask a trusted friend or family to give you honest advice. Another option is to hire a professional Interior Redesigner to give you an objective viewpoint and help you put together your redesign plan. Need help implementing the plan? Redesigners are famous for their enthusiasm to roll up their sleeves and work side-by-side with you. Afterall, they love a good before and after photo opportunity!

Interior Redesigners are not expensive. Their expertise typically costs anywhere from $75 - $125 per hour, and most offer half or full-day packages and shopping services.

You can't finish what you don't start. So make a new years resolution for 2008 to tackle that problem room - you'll be glad you did!

Susan Smith is owner of Rooms That Work, and helps home dwellers redesign their living spaces in the Farmington Valley area of Connecticut.  Visit www.roomsthatwork.com for more information.  It's your home, only better.

Much has been written about the power of home staging to visually present a home at its best for purpose of a quicker and more profitable sale. What a buyer sees when they tour the home makes an incredible impact on the buyer's impression of the property. But let's not neglect the other senses.

• Hearing - Road noise? Eerie silence? Both can be a distraction. Playing appropriate music during showings and open houses can help. Need ideas? Visit a Pottery Barn and view their compilation CD's. Jazz and classical are good contenders as well. Base your selection on your target buyers' demographic. Be sure to play it at a background noise level. After all, there is no need to rock the house, just sell it!
  
• Touch/Feel - Is the home too cold? Too warm? Either way the buyer will feel a negative sense about the home and not want to stay long. Keep the home at a comfortable temperature at all times. Resist the temptation to set your programmable thermostat to save on heating or cooling costs. Home showings can happen at any time!
  
• Smell - If you can smell it, you can't sell it (sorry for the over-used cliché!). This includes pets, cooking spices, fish, laundry, mold, bathroom "issues", fireplace soot, and so on. What to do about it? First step - ask trusted friends to sniff your home and give you honest feedback. Then, eliminate the source(s), at least while your home is on the market. For example, ship poochie off to grandmas, do laundry more frequently, throw wet towels in the dryer when you leave in the morning, clean out the fireplace, and use this as a good excuse to eat out more often! Don't try to cover up smells with sprays or air fresheners. They can be just as offensive.
  
• Taste - I don't imagine anyone is out there taking a bite out your drywall...but do have some wrapped candy or cookies available during an open house. It has been said that the best way to the heart can be through the stomach! Can't hurt to try!
  
• "Sixth" Sense - This is the cumulative effect of all the other fives senses. This is the "big one" that will keep your home in the buyer's memory as they continue their tour of homes. In a competitive market, you need all the senses working for you!

If your home is for sale, be sure to pay attention to all your senses. What you can't see CAN hurt when it comes to selling your home!

There are many statistics and opinions floating around about the state of the real estate industry.  They may differ by region, but there are some common threads throughout these discussions. 

How will these trends impact sellers?

• Buyers are waiting for an overall price collapse of the market - all the more reason to give a buyer a reason to act NOW.
• The homes with the best perceived value will sell - it will become even more competitive for a seller to stand out from the crowd.
• Overpriced homes will not sell - this is especially true now, no matter how nicely a home is staged.

Bottom line - Home Staging is becoming more important than ever.  It costs less than a price reduction, and often a monthly house payment.  It's just good business! 

What are your observations?

Susan Smith
Rooms That Work
www.roomsthatwork.com

This is pretty cool!  HomeGoods (a.k.a. Marshalls and T.J. Maxx) has developed on online "Idea Book" to help survive the holidays in style. 

It covers different styles of holiday decor, gift ideas, and even a children's corner.  It is based on designs by Evette Rios (form the Rachael Ray camp).

You can view it at http://www.homegoods.com/ideabook.asp.

Enjoy!

Susan Smith
Rooms That Work
www.roomsthatwork.com

***Here are some ideas for homeowners who are not necessarily moving in the near future, but want to start enjoying their under-utilized living room***

Like most colonials, our home has a family room and a living room. And like most homeowners, we spend a lot more time in our family room than our living room. In fact, my 7 year old still gets confused when I use the term "living" room. It's now just known as the "red" room in our house.

With some minor changes and a lot of inspiration, you can turn your living room into something you'd actually live in! Here are some possible uses and design tips to help you get started:

Home office - Home Office means different things to different people. It could be a place to pay bills and file paperwork, or a place for kids to do homework, or you may run a business out of your home. Whatever your definition, focus your design around the function of the room.

• Provide a clear surface on which to work. It's easy for a desk or table to become overrun with "stuff" resulting in no place to actually work. Tight for space? How about a table that drops down from the wall when needed (like a Murphy bed)?
• Add a comfortable desk chair that is adjustable and doesn't squeak (trust me on this one!). If your room has carpet, consider a plastic floor protector to help you wheel around easier.
• Add lots of hidden storage, but be sure to clearly label your storage units so you know where to find things.
• Lighting is key! You will need overhead as well as good task lighting. If there is no overhead light, add some up-lighting.
• Select functional accessories that add personality by do not cutter the space. But be careful not to make it too institutional - it's still your home, after all!
• Keep the palate light and bright to inspire energy.
• Minimize and secure cords as much as possible. Go wireless wherever possible.

Library - Love to read? Have a great book collection? Turn your living room into a cozy place to curl up with a good book! It's like having your own coffee house.

• Add lots of shelving. Rather than just adding bookcases, consider customized bookshelves built around a window to create a window box seat. Not only will you get additional storage, you'll add a wonderful focal point to the room.
• Instead of a traditional sofa or loveseat, opt for two or three comfy club chairs (depending on space). Gather those chairs around a round glass-top coffee table with a wood shelf underneath to show off some of your favorite coffee table books.
• Provide task lighting for each reading chair. Pharmacy lamps are great for this. Make sure you also have enough lighting to see the books on the shelves.
• As a library, you can comfortably use darker paint to create warmth.
• Accessories - add a warm toned rug, soft throw blankets, and pepper the walls with black and white photography to create a coffee house feel.

Toy room - A toy room can be a great compromise between parents and kids in the eternal battle of toy clutter!

• Opt for shelving with attractive bins that can hide the clutter inside them, and allow for pick-up in less than 5 minutes. Open storage looks messy, even when the room is picked up. Avoid a collection of mis-matched toy organizers - they look tacky!
• Make sure the room is comfortable for grown ups as well as kids -add a comfortable chair or loveseat.
• Add a kid-sized table and chairs. Tip: put a machine washable rug underneath to survive craft time!
• Keep the room bright with cheerful colors, but avoid "cutesy" - save that for their bedrooms.
• If your kids enjoy movies, add a TV and DVD player.
• Set clear rules for cleanup, and stick to them!

Media room - Do you enjoy watching movies? Create your own movie theater in the comfort of your own home!

• Add French or pocket doors and light-blocking shades to create a dark, quiet environment on demand.
• Add a large screen TV with surround sound.
• Add a dimmer switch to better control the lighting. Add task lighting to allow for discreet multi-tasking while watching a movie.
• Depending on how many people will be watching the movies, add enough comfortable seating. Tip: use two loveseats angled at the corners of the room opposite the TV, and toss a couple bean bag chairs behind them for extra seating when necessary.
• For decor, just frame a few of your favorite movie posters and hang them on the walls.
• Don't forget the DVD organizer and a handy remote control holder!

Mud Room -Depending on the layout of your house, you could convert your living room into an oversized "holding cell" to accommodate coats, back packs, shoes, calendars, cleaning supplies, dog bed, pet food and much more. You get the idea!

• Assign a "locker" to each family member (don't forget the family pet). Lockers provide vertical storage that makes good use of the space while hiding its cluttered contents. It's a great storage solution for jackets, purses, backpacks, and more. Lockers can be wood or metal, whichever you prefer.
• Add wall hooks for guest coats, umbrellas, etc.
• Add a shoe rack for wet or dirty shoes. Place vinyl placemats underneath to protect your floor.
• Create a mail box for each member of the family to control mail flow.
• Add a credenza or file cabinet to file all that mysterious paperwork that wanders into the house.
• Create a message center by painting a wall (or part of a wall) with magnetic and/or chalkboard paint. Make it "pop" by adding a large empty gold leaf frame!
• Add a colorful rug. Rather than get one large rug, opt for a couple smaller rugs that are machine washable.
• How about a small drop-leaf table and a couple chairs for small projects, or for putting boots on?

Stag room - What can I say? If you must have one, here are some ideas:

• Add a pool table, and a dart board (if room).
• Include a bar and some bar stools.
• Opt for a darker paint color that won't show wear and tear.
• Display your favorite neon bar sign, deer head, or other prized possession.
• Add a juke box in the corner if you like.
• Don't forget the traditional "dogs playing poker" print!

Overwhelmed? Call an Interior Re-designer in your area. They specialize in making rooms work using what you already have. It's a very cost-effective way to bring new life to your old room.

It's time to start actually living in your "living" room!

Susan J. Smith is the owner of Rooms That Work, a home staging and interior redesign company in central Connecticut. Her company's motto "your home, only better" reflects her belief that every home has potential to be the best it can be, whether selling or not! For designing tips, visit http://www.roomsthatwork.com/ or blog with Susan at http://roomsthatwork.blogspot.com/

Ezine Article

Last time I checked, most buyers celebrate the same seasonal holidays as sellers.  While a seller should certainly tone-down religious or scary items in order to appeal to a broader demographic, most holiday's are fair game, and Halloween brings with it the excitement of a new season (especially here in Connecticut!).

The key to proper holiday decor in a staged home is to add enough to be warm and inviting, but not so much that it steals the show (afterall, your selling your house, not what's in it).  And avoid collections of small items or "too cutsie" items as they tend to look cluttered and get dusty very quickly.

Go with fewer displays of larger scale with clean lines. For example:

• Line your front steps with simple mums planted in terracotta pots. 
• Place a nicely shaped, large pumpkin next to the fireplace.  Or maybe 3 of differing sizes if room.
• Cave pumpkins with your street address (one number per pumpkin) and stack them on the porch.
• Tie a few faux fall tree branches together with twine and hang on the door in lieu of a traditional wreath.
• Put out a bowl of halloween candy (individually wrapped, of course) for buyers.

Now it probably goes without saying, but here are some no-no's if your home is for sale:

• Anything with fake spiders, including faux webs.  (Ewww)
• Nothing that startles or jumps out.
• No scary music soundtracks! 
• Nothing that involves fake blood.

So go ahead and have some fun this month, but do all things in moderation, especially if your home is for sale!

So what is the strangest halloween decor you've seen in a home for sale?

Boo!

Rooms That Work
Your home, only scarier. :)

 I know many stagers don't "do" basements...but there is great opportunity to improve basement laundry areas to be more inviting and serve as yet another reason for a buyer to fall in love with a house!  The following article was published on ezinearticles.com and was inspired by a client's basement I recently did a consultation for.

Does your basement laundry room feel like a dungeon?

The average person spends six hours a week doing laundry. That's the equivalent of 13 days straight of nothing but laundry! No wonder there is a trend towards upgrading laundry spaces.

While upstairs laundry is becoming the standard, many people still have to trudge down to the basement to get the job done. But you can make laundry more enjoyable (or at least less dreary) if you set up the room respecting both form and function.

Let's first address the function part of the equation. What activities do you need to accomplish in this space? In what order are these tasks completed? Here is a list to get your brain started:

• Transporting laundry
• Sorting laundry
• Pre-treating laundry
• Folding and hanging laundry
• Ironing laundry (yes, some people still do this!)
• Hand washing (and air drying) delicates
• Sewing and craft activities
• Gift-wrapping station
• Storing laundry supplies

Now that you know what needs to be accomplished in this space, think about form. After all, the laundry room is a space where you can really get creative! While lively décor may not necessarily make laundry fun to do, it will make the time seem to go by faster. And you'll be surprised at how little it costs!

1. Clean up! Before you get started, create a clean canvas. Clutter - if you've got it, you need to purge it. Next, clean it as if your Mom is coming for a visit and will sleep in the basement. If your basement is still in its original form, consider painting the walls and floor with a light, neutral color. Keep items off the floor as much as possible.
2. Chutes and Ladders! Consider adding a laundry chute to help with laundry transportation (albeit one way!). This is especially helpful if there are those (and they know who they are) who don't get their "dirties" where they belong on a regular basis.
3. Define the laundry space. Is your laundry area floating in the middle of the room, or tucked into a corner? Set some boundaries. Add colorful FLOR interlocking carpet tiles to define your laundry space. You can make it just the size you need, and in whatever colors you want. Not only is a great design element, but it's softer on your feet.
4. A place for everything, and everything its place. Create a movable cabinet with built-in storage by adding casters to the bottom of a vanity cabinet. Use this movable space divider to help define your space in an otherwise expansive room. Check irregulars or discontinued items at your local DIY store to get a good deal.
5. Sort it out. Buy three large laundry baskets for sorting your laundry in light, medium or dark. Make decorative signs to indicate which is which. Or just write on them with a sharpie - whatever gets the job done!
6. Know when to fold 'em! Pick up a discontinued kitchen island at a great price and use it as a folding table. Not only will it be a more comfortable height for your back, you'll also score additional storage underneath! And why not add a couple bar stools for doing crafts or just hanging out? Mini-fridge optional.
7. Hang out. Hang a pole over or near the "folding island" to hang items as you fold, or get a rolling garment rack. If you hang shirts while they're still slightly damp, you'll have a much easier time ironing them. Use hanging dividers to separate clothes by owner to keep items organized.
8. Bright Ideas. Don't skimp on lighting. Use a combination of ceiling and task lighting to make sure you can see what you are doing. If you have windows in the basement, clean them up and dress them up with light curtains that let the natural light in.
9. Make it fun! Add a whimsical element such as a colorful sign that says "Drop Your Dirties Here" with an arrow pointing down to the laundry sorting area. Find clever cabinet knobs with a laundry theme. Add a tip jar for loose change found in the wash. Use colorful containers to hold supplies. You can find many inexpensive plastic bins at dollar stores. Use your imagination! But avoid small chatchke items that collect dust (and spiders).
10. Think Green. Add an indoor tree to add life to the space. Perhaps a nice, durable rubber tree or faux ficus.

Still not excited about laundry? Add a stereo or TV to help pass the time. Chaka Khan's "I'm every woman" just might do the trick!

Copyright 2007, Rooms That Work.

So you are moving, and not sure if your home will not bring top dollar or sell quickly in its current state. Sure you could just run a vacuum and hope that potential buyers fall in love with your home. After all, you've enjoyed it just the way it is for some time now!

But here's the kicker - how you live in a home is very different than how you sell a home. Buyers need to see your home, not your lovely furnishings or family memorabilia. A stager's job is to feature the home itself and appeal to the widest range of buyers possible. It's not about your personal taste, it's about marketing.

Ok, so you realize you could use the help of a professional stager, but what where do you begin? What should you expect? How much does it cost? Is it just like on TV? Will you be uncomfortable? These are some of the questions I often hear from homeowners. Hopefully the following FAQ's will help put your mind at ease!

How do I find a stager? As your real estate agent for suggestions, try searching via http://www.activerain.com/, or Google for one in your area! And don't get hung up on "credentials" as they don't exist in this industry. Being "certified" means the stager attended a training class. Base your decision on the stager's portfolio, professionalism, and referrals.

How does the process work? If you hire a stager to do a consultation, you'll end up with a detailed report of findings with a "to do" list for you to complete the staging work yourself. The stager will tour your home and take lots of pictures and notes. Not sure you want to do the work yourself? The stager will always be happy to provide an estimate to do the staging work for you. Plus, you will be equipped with a customized list of "to-do's" to prepare for home showings.

Will the stager always rent furniture? Staging is effective for both vacant and occupied homes. A stager will rent furnishings for a vacant home and buy the appropriate accessories to finish the home. For an occupied home, the stager will work with the homeowner's furnishings, and supplement items where necessary.

Is it like on TV? Yes and no. Yes, stagers make a big difference in how a home is presented to buyers. But don't expect every stager to want to knock down walls, and bring their own construction crew who doesn't charge for their labor time. This is the real world!

Will I be uncomfortable? Any advice your home stager gives you is purely based on appealing to your target market, not your personal decorating style. And while living in a staged home can be uncomfortable, take comfort that it is only temporary, and will most likely save you money in terms of a faster sale and a higher asking price than if your home were not staged.

How much does it cost? A consultation typically costs $100 to $400, depending on the market and the size of the home. Actually hands-on staging is based on what is needed, and averages anywhere from $75 to $150/hour, depending on the market and the stager. You should always have a written estimate prior to any work being done.

What will I get out of it? Staging is an investment to help your home sell faster and for top dollar. While your qualified real estate agent will provide their expertise to price the home appropriately, the stager will make it help make it show better than other homes in that price range. A staged home typically sells 50% faster than an unstaged home. The faster a home sells the less chance you'll need to reduce your price! Staging expenses can be tax-deductible as well. Consult with your tax advisor for details.

Hopefully I've been able to put some of your "Home Stager" fears to rest. As the home market becomes more competitive, savvy homeowners are realizing the value of home staging. 

Rooms That Work offers home staging and interior redesign services in Connecticut.  Visit www.roomsthatwork.com or call Susan at 860.808.4171 for more information.  

That's the most common objection sellers have to staging. What is ironic is that the answer is in the question itself...money!

Staging is not an expense, but rather an investment to get the most possible for your home, and as quickly as you can. There are two sides to this money equation: Selling Price, and Speed of Sale.

Selling Price is pretty self-explanatory. More is better!

To evaluate the expense of carrying the home while it's for sale is a little trickier. And it's especially daunting when you've already found your next home.

Here are a few expenses to consider:

• Mortgage pmt
• Insurance
• Taxes
• Utilities
• Yard services (lawn, landscaping, pool, plowing)
• General Maintenance (cleaning, repairs, etc.). It sure adds up fast!

Now that you have an understanding of the economics, consider the emotional toll selling your home places on you and your family. Do you really want to keep your home in show condition and be prepared to flee at a moment's notice for very long? This is where Speed of Sale comes into play.

Staging can help your house sell much faster than the competition, and for more money. Do yourself a favor, stage your home before you list it, and get it over with. I think you'll be pleasantly surprised at how a little money can go a long way!

I'm happy to report that here in Connecticut, most of my clients come to me on their own, having heard about staging on TLC and HGTV and wanting help in selling their home.  It's wonderful to work with clients who understand what staging is!

Susan Smith
Rooms That Work
Your home, only better.
www.roomsthatwork.com

Easy Indoor Garden for Busy People
By Susan J Smith

A.K.A. Hope for Brown Thumbs like Me!

As a home stager, I often use high-end faux greenery to stage a home. They are portable, don't die, and if dusted regularly, can look quite warm and inviting. But sometimes you just need the real thing. Here in Connecticut the leaves are falling, squirrels are going "nuts" and there is a crisp edge to the air. What a great time to bring some greenery inside. Many plants even make the air healthier, and surely there are feng shui benefits to bringing nature inside.

You don't to be a budding horticulturist to have a lovely indoor garden. Sure, you could do a whole bunch of research become a resident expert, or just "do it" and get on with things. The key is to pick the right plant, the right pot, and make a commitment to care for your plant.

The Plant

There are some popular choices for beginners. If you're willing to "mist" your plant on a regular basis, select trees or vines from the tropics or sub-tropics (but avoid plants with pointed leaves...not good feng shui). Figs and weeping Figs are low maintenance if you don't move them around and avoid over-watering (once per week is fine). Rubber Trees are low maintenance, but their sap can be poisonous for kids and pets.

You may not know what kind of plant to get, but you do know how much light comes in your window, how much room you have for a plant, and if you have kids or pets to contend with. You also know what you are capable of in terms of plant care.

Now, armed with all this information, go to a reputable local nursery and ask them what they recommend. Don't be ashamed to admit you're a beginner! They're the experts, after all, and they will be thrilled to help you select your plant and answer any questions you may have.

The Pot

There are many pots to choose from. First priority is to make sure it functions well. Is it large enough for the plant to grow? Are you the type of person who may need a self-watering pot (you know who you are!)? Tip: you can add an "Adjustable Reservoir" to an existing pot. If the pot does not have a drain hole in the bottom, just add gravel underneath the potting soil.

Now what good is a fully-function pot if it's not pretty! There are many colors, shapes and styles to choose from. Be true to your decorating style, and don't be afraid to use color! Add staggering heights around the room for more visual interest.

Want to dress up your plant? How about adding decorative pebbles on top of the soil, or creating a dramatic up-lighting by inserting a mini-pot inside the bigger pot with a light point upwards? Use your imagination!

The Care

The whole idea here is to minimize the time needed to keep your plant alive. Hopefully you followed the advice of the nursery employee who helped you select a low-maintenance plant. Follow the care instructions for your particular plant for best results.

When you first bring your plant home, use a good potting soil. Most potting soils include everything your plant will need to stay healthy. Let's face it; busy people are not going to stick to a strict schedule of fertilizing and feeding their plant on a regular basis. Prune your plant as needed, and occasionally dust off the leaves. You may want to stick it in the tub for a shower periodically to keep spider mites away.

Then commit to watering it on a regular schedule. Follow watering instructions based on the type of plant. Believe it or not, over-watering can be worse than under-watering (note: don't use water from sodium-based water softeners).

The Therapy

There are those who are convinced that talking to your plant is therapeutic for your plant. While it may not be scientifically proven, I figure it can't hurt. If nothing else, it's cheaper than a good therapist, so go right ahead - plants are very good listeners. Naming your plant is optional.

On a personal note, after researching for this article, I boldly went into my local nursery, explained my brown thumb dilemma, and came home with a weeping fig (named Benji). We are getting along very well, and I am feeling much better about Connecticut winters! I think I'm going to make it after all.