Phancy Design-Home Staging, Interior Design & Renovations

Vous Voulez Vendre Votre Maison?

2013-02-25T09:10:00.000-05:00

Vous planifiez vendre votre maison dans le futur? Vous cherchez entre $ 280,000 et $ 400,000 pour votre maison? Si oui, vous êtes propriétaire d’une maison qui tombe « dans la moyenne » point du vue prix (dépendant, d’où vous êtes situés, bien sur). Vous allez attirer les jeunes familles et de jeunes professionnels cherchant leur première maison.

Cela veut dire qu’il y a beaucoup de choix pour les acheteurs et votre compétition sur le marché sera intense parce que les maisons « dans la moyenne » sont nombreuses.

Ce qui nous illustre l’importance de la mise en scène immobilière (Home Staging), maintenant un service essentiel pour vendre votre maison. Pourquoi?

Avec une compétition intense vous devez montrer aux acheteurs que votre maison est la maison à acheter. Vous avez besoin d’un avantage - vous devez vous démarquer de votre compétition.

FAIT: La mise en scène immobilière augmente la Valeur Visuelle de votre maison (et en certains cas, la valeur sur le marché également). L’apparence de votre maison en photos, est une étape importante pendant la vente. Le premier coup d’œil doit démarquer! Les acheteurs se fient sur le visuel. Les images présentées ont un impact immédiat.

95% des recherches commencent sur l’internet. Sur place, un acheteur prend en moyenne, cinq minutes pour déterminer si ils vont acheter votre maison (ou pas). Êtes-vous prêtes?

LES ACHETEURS SAVENT: Etre à l'aise et aimer votre maison peut considérablement améliorer votre bien-être et a un impact sur touts aspects de votre vie. Les acheteurs font souvent des concessions basées sur l'émotion par rapport à la logique. La mise en scène immobilière fait appel à touts vos sens, donne raison à l’acheteur de s'accrocher et rend la visite de votre maison mémorable.

FICTION: La mise en scène immobilière est seulement pour les maisons exécutives et millionnaires.

Au contraire! Lorsque la concurrence est féroce, il est temps de réagir ! Les maisons à prix moyennes sont ceux sur qui on doit se concentrer le plus. Imaginez où il y a quatre maisons sur votre rue qui sont à vendre; jusqu'à 10-15 dans votre quartier peut-être?

Alors pourquoi choisir votre maison? Parce que nous avons créé l’atmosphère que tout le monde veut !

RUMEUR: La mise en scène immobilière est coûteuse et dérangeante.

Ce n'est pas vrai. Pourquoi?

Le retour sur investissement est garanti. La mise en scène ne coutera jamais autant que votre première baisse de prix sur le marché - Ne baisser pas votre prix de vente – augmenter votre Valeur Visuelle ! Les maisons qui profitent de la mise en scène sont considérées «clés en mains » alors seront parmi les premiers choix à visiter. Vous allez vendre plus rapidement et avec moins de négociations (beaucoup moins que vos voisins) !

PHANCY DESIGN a touché touts les styles de maisons. De la maison débutante, à la maison exécutive, à la maison de campagne ... Et contrairement à ce que vous voyez à la télévision, vous ne serez pas obligé de vous déplacer pendant des jours, il n'y aura pas de tente installé dans votre entrée ni une équipe de dix personnes dans votre maison et vous n’avez surtout pas besoin de prendre une deuxième hypothèque pour payer les frais (nos frais sont déductibles pour agents en immobilier). A moins que votre maison soit déjà vide, nous préférons, où possible, travailler avec ce que vous avez déjà disponible dans la maison. Mais ne vous inquiétez pas ! Nous avons un inventaire impressionnant en cas de besoin.

Nous savons comment accentuer votre maison ~ un look plus spacieux, plus fonctionnel et visuellement attrayante pour le marché. Ceci ne veut pas dire que nous n’apprécions pas vos talents de décoration, c'est simplement notre connaissance des exigences du marché et ce que les acheteurs demandent.

PHANCY DESIGN ne possède pas les souvenirs que vous avez de votre maison. Vous êtes attachés à votre maison, qui est tout à fait normal! Parce que nous voyons votre maison avec les mêmes yeux que vos acheteurs, nous avons les outils nécessaires pour faire appel à un démographique important – vos acheteurs !

CE QUE NOUS POUVONS FAIRE:

Notre objectif pour votre maison est toujours de vous démarquez de la concurrence. Faire appel à touts leurs sens, au-delà du visuel. Votre maison a peut-être besoin d’un peu d’aide ou il peut avoir besoin d'une transformation complète-nous pouvons vous le dire, vous le montrer, et prendre toutes les démarches pour vous!

Votre maison sera prête pour les photos (avec photographies professionnelles inclus dans notre service) et pour visiter! C’est notre spécialité ~ Phancy Design !

450-510-0098 tél

phancydesign@live.ca

www.phancydesign.ca

Service pour « Open House » également disponible!

Selling Your Home In The Near Future?

2013-02-25T09:01:00.002-05:00

So you're thinking of selling your home in the near future. Are you selling between $ 280K and $ 400K? If that's your selling range, you own what is considered (location dependant, of course) an "average" priced home.

You are appealing to young families & professional couples just starting out. What does it mean to sell an "average" priced home?

It means there's a lot of choice out there for buyers and your competition on the market will be fierce because you are one of many.

This is where the importance of HOME STAGING comes in… It is now an essential service when selling your home. Why?

Because when competition is high, you need to own that one house that stands out in everyone's mind. You need an edge. You need a reason for people to choose your home.

FACT: Home Staging will increase the Visual Value of your home (and in some cases, can increase the market value).

How your home is presented in photographs is a crucial part of the selling process. Even curb appeal is now second to photo appeal. It's all in the visual. Images have a huge impact on how a buyer evaluates a home.

95% of buyers start their search online. A buyer can assess within less than 5 minutes whether they will buy your home (or NOT).

BUYERS KNOW: Being comfortable and loving your home can dramatically improve your well-being and impact all areas of your life. Buyers will make concessions based on emotion versus logic. HOME STAGING appeals to the senses, gives a buyer something to hold onto, makes your home the memorable one.

FICTION: HOME STAGING is only for executive homes and estates.

On the contrary! When competition is fierce, it's time to step up. Average priced homes should be the areas that are focussed on first. Imagine where there are four homes on your street alone that are for sale; up to 10-15 in your neighbourhood perhaps?

WHAT will make your home the one that stands out? The one that everyone gravitates towards? The one that everyone wants?

RUMOUR: HOME STAGING is expensive and a big bother.

Not true. Why?

The return on your investment (ROI) is guaranteed. Staging will cost you less than your first price reduction – do not reduce your selling price, increase your Visual Value! You will sell faster, with far less negotiations than your neighbours may face and carry your home for a shorter period of time! Staged homes are considered “turn-key” homes and therefore are among the 1st to be visited.

PHANCY DESIGN has staged all types of homes. From the starter home to the executive home to the country estate...And contrary to what you may see on television you will not be forced to move-out, there will be no tent set up in your driveway with a team of ten people tearing through your home, nor will you have to take out a 2nd mortgage (our services are tax deductible for real estate brokers). Unless your home is already empty we will, whenever possible, work with what you already have available. But have no fear! We have an impressive inventory to help get you through.

We know how to make your home appear more spacious, more functional and visually appealing to the market at large. This is never a reflection of your decor talents, it's a reflection on what the market demands and craves.

PHANCY DESIGN does not hold the memories of the home that you do. You are emotionally attached to your home which is completely normal! Because we can view your home as an outsider, we can provide you with the tools needed to update your space and appeal to a large demographic – your potential buyers!

WHAT WE CAN DO:

PHANCY's ultimate goal is always to make your home the one that everyone wants. Appeal to all their senses, beyond the visual. Your home may need only need a few tweaks or it may need a complete transformation, but whatever it needs, we can tell you, show you, do it for you!

Your home will be photo ready (complete with professional photographs as part of our service) and visit ready before you know it! That's the PHANCY way!

450-510-0098 tel

phancydesign@live.ca

www.phancydesign.ca

Open house preparation also available!

Apples to Apples - Your Home Project...

2013-01-29T12:33:00.000-05:00

It's project time! Let's look at some great ways to plan your next home project ~ saving you time, money and more than likely, your sanity!

We live in the "now" . But the "now" may not be the best way to plan a major home project. Some projects are indeed best completed in one full swoop. Others should be completed one room at a time.

1. Manage your wishlist:

Design and renovation projects can get messy. No doubt about it. Are you prepared for a semi-functioning bathroom or kitchen? Are you prepared to move out temporarily (in the case of refinishing your floors, for instance?) Is it really the best time to change your front door when it's below zero outside or can you wait for Spring?

Managing your wishlist can be challenging but it IS do-able. If you cannot have everything accomplished immediately, know that it can all be accomplished in stages. Maybe those floors can be refinished while you're camping that week in May? No fumes to contend with, no foot traffic, proper curing time and you come home from vacation relaxed, happy and to brand new floors!

2. Budget:

We all have one. Ok, most of us have one. Do you know yours? We always recommend you plan, plan, plan how much you want to spend. And know your prices. There is nothing more heart breaking for me than to tell a client they cannot have the project of their dreams due to their budget.

You've shown me the photo of your dream kitchen. Fantastic! You've done your homework and know the cabinets are not only functional but affordable! YAY! That flooring, sink, back splash and tap set however, not so much. But you LOVE that flooring. Well, me too. But at $ 18/sq foot it's just not feasible right now. BUT I love what I do and am constantly researching new products, clearance sales and alternates so rather than break your heart I will find you something that will make you happy, happy, happy so no one will know that this NEW flooring was not in the original plan. So you must be prepared to...

3. Be flexible:

Back to that flooring...so you found the one of your dreams...but it may not be in the budget. Do we pout? Noooooo....we find an alternative. SPEAK to your designer. Don't be afraid to ask if she has discounts. Chances are, she does! I sure do! I always make it a point to pass on my discounts to my clients. What? Why? Because a) I want them to be happy, happy, happy! and b) It saves them money!

And it may not be flooring. It could be a countertop, furniture, hardware, sinks, tubs...there is always room to save if you can be flexible! Let's have a look....

Furniture - decide if you HAVE to have an original piece. Maybe you don't. Alternatives are always available.

Flooring: These floors range from $ 3 sq ft up to $ 16 sq ft. Can you tell the difference?

Be open to alternatives. They're out there. And please, don't be afraid to ask. Part of a designer's job is to source these things for you. We know where the hidden gems are. You might be gasping for air thinking about having to pay someone to source these things for you but what takes me an hour may take you months and your time is valuable too! And chances are you simply will not find what your designer can, and certainly not at the same price. So open your mind to the possibilities and be flexible - we're here to help!

5. Be a realist:

Three years ago you purchased a brand, new home! Congratulations! You adore the house, you love the neighbourhood and now your family has grown. That unfinished basement, filled with boxes that were never unpacked, (throw them out, you haven't opened them in three years - you don't need anything inside if they haven't been touched in that long! You're grandmother's dishes do NOT fall into this category, of course!) is now much needed space for your growing family. It's time to make it usable space!

This WILL cost you money and more than you expect, I suspect. We recently quoted a project - new walls, floors, plumbing, electricity, a new bathroom - the works! Immediately, upon entering, the client says..."My brother told me....My father-in-law told me...My friend told me..." STOP the car! It's never (or at least rarely) what people tell you.

So your friend told you that installing ceramic in the bathroom is a 2-hour job. Then have your friend do it. Really. It may look easy but I can assure you, it's not. We have people on our team who are specialists. Yes...specialists in tile, specialists in flooring, specialists in electrical work. Why? Because you want it done correctly. Let's be realists. We ALL watch those DIY shows. We can all Google "installing tile" - will the tile still look good in 6 months? Does it even look good now? Is it grouted properly? Is it falling off the wall 2 months later? Are all your grout lines even and lined up?

You want the right people for the right job. If I could count the number of times we've heard, "Oh, we should have hired your team" or "I had no idea..." We HAVE been called in to clean up other people's messes. More than once.

So that project? The client had $ 5000 in mind. Wasn't realistic - wasn't even close. That price wouldn't even cover your material costs. Do your homework. And please...

6. Compare Apples to Apples: This is a VERY important point - one that can save you time, money and a whole lot of stress. This should probably be your first point of reference when you've decided to go ahead.

When you're comparing quotes from contractors, save yourself a lot of grief by ensuring you ARE comparing apples to apples. Questions to ask yourself when doing your estimate homework...

1. Have all my contractors quoted from the same to-do list?
2. Have all my contractors quoted the same space?
3. Have all my contractors included the same material budget?
4. Have all my contractors included the time to carry out the work?
5. Did my "wishlist" change from Contractor A to Contractor B? Did I take these changes into consideration when comparing quotes?
6. Have I taken on some of the labour myself and not told my contractors?

Why are these points important?

You've sagely reviewed your wishlist and have changed direction due to time and/or money constraints. Well done!

Contractor A however has provided you with a quote for the original work you requested. Have you asked them to requote based on your changes? We hope you have! Because if Contractor A is still bidding on the more comprehensive package, his pricing will not be in line with Contractor B, who had bid on a smaller work package. It would then be normal for Contractor A to be more expensive so don't throw him out yet!

If the work package has changed, allow all your contractors to requote. And review their submissions, carefully. It's easy to look at the bottom line - PRICE. Your price however should not be the sole driving force. That rock bottom price you jumped on? It may not include ALL the work you've asked for or it may not be as detailed as you would have liked.

Do ensure you are comparing apples to apples - as in the SAME work package. This will impact your bottom line. Have a $ 2000, $ 5000 or $ 10,000 discrepancy between contractors. Why? Ask them. They will answer and they will tell you why. It could be their labour rate, they may have quoted a higher material cost (flooring, cabinetry...) - questions are allowed and most welcome!
Quality has value. This applies to both material and labour. Again, do your homework. Look at their past work, review their testimonials, do that homework!

7. Expect the best:

You are investing in your home and should expect the best! Do your research and make an informed decision. Hopefully you have received sound advice and the renos and/or designs will increase the value of your home. That's what it's all about isn't it? Making your home stand out and increasing its value!

That being said, you MUST be clear with the contractor.

They should be clean (no, there is no reason for them to leave their "stuff" in the house after they leave for the day. The work space should be cleaned up daily and the space somewhat functional while they are gone (to an extent, of course!). Their garbage is not your garbage (lunch wrappers, coffee cups...). They should sweep up and clean as much as they can at the end of each day.

Give them hours and access and respect that. If they work from 7:00am to 4:00pm every day and you're ok with that, please don't change the schedule. They are working to accommodate your time frame to finish the work and can't do that if access is limited. As such, you should also expect them to be there on time and finish their day on time. Unless they have asked you for an additional hour in their day, remember, it's your home - your rules.

Don't "let things go" because of a rush or because you want them to finish faster. See nails that haven't been plugged or an area that needs touch-up paint? ASK them. They've promised you a job well done and you're paying for it. Get what you want.

KNOW what you're paying for. If you haven't paid for them to paint - please don't expect them too. Make sure your scope of work is clear and concise. This will save you and your contractor disappointment.

We want to make our clients happy. We want to be recommended. Work with us through every phase of your project and you will get what you want :-)

8. Enjoy it:

It doesn't have to be a nightmare. You've hired the best now. Relax and enjoy the process. Much of the fun is in the planning! And just think of the end result! Now go ahead, put up your feet, relax and enjoy!

Phancy Design, your specialists in Home Staging, Interior Design and Renovations

Scents Of The Season...

2012-12-06T10:16:00.000-05:00

Don't you just love the scents of the season? If my love of winter decor (colors, scenery, etc...) is not enough, with the exception of freshly cut grass, the smells of winter excite me to no end!

Snowy Sweden - Photog: Unknown (sadly)

The crispness of the outside air, holiday baking, aromatic teas, burning candles and simmering pots can just send me over the edge. There is so much to enjoy and take in. A plethora of delighful scents that just overload yet somehow soothe my senses.

One of our favorite times is when we can finally buy Gingerbread Tea. My youngest lives on this stuff during the winter and I tell myself every year that I should stock up and never do because I believe my subconscious will not allow me. I mean, this tea is a Holiday tradition for us and who am I to mess with tradition? Gingerbread Tea on a random April day just doesn't seem right.

I love a delicious smelling home. All year long. I'm a 24/7 candle burner but sometimes I switch it up with my simmer pots. The concept is simple enough and the results are fabulous! Pull out a medium sized saucepan and get crackin'!

Winter blend:

2 cups water
Juice of 1 orange
4-6 cinammon sticks
Cranberries or pomegranate
Nutmeg & cloves
Peel from 1 orange

Bring all the ingredients to a boil. Reduce heat to lowest setting and let simmer all day. Experience immediate joy.

FYI - There are some great recipes out there that you can use if your home is for sale. Nothing beats a great smelling home during an Open House or Private Appointment. Stick to natural, homemade edible ingredients that will entice even the most difficult buyer. (Avoid floral scents at all costs)

My favorite holiday candle scents this year? Wow, that's a toughie! New, enticing scents Poinsettia Musk, White Tea & Fir and of course, my steadies...Ginger Pumpkin and Spiced Cider

I'm happy when my nose is happy. Scent has as powerful an effect on us as colour. Ever been stuck in an elevator with a woman who clearly marinates in perfume? Migraines and upset stomach normally ensue? Yup. And pretty much what happens to me if I'm in a room where the colour is too aggressive for the space. Our senses are powerful tools. Use them wisely.

The Winds Of Change...

2012-11-17T10:13:00.001-05:00

Back to my long neglected blog (so sorry!). Honestly, between our Website, our Facebook page, our Pinterest fascination, Twitter and of course, actual work, my observations have been handwritten when they should have been posted here. I will make a conscious effort to improve. Really.

The winds of change are blowing. We have noticed a dramatic increase in the number of people renovating their homes versus selling them. 80% of the work we've accomplish has been interior design projects and renovations, with Home Staging sitting at about 20%. A sign of the times?

Hard to say. There are an amazing number of homes for sale and I remain stupefied (more often than not, appalled) at the number of homes that aren't staged, or even straightened up. Photos of unmade beds, dishes in the sink, our furry friends (are they part of the sale?), an array of soaps and shampoo bottles in the shower (no, really, you can take those with you when you move) and my favorite, the blurred shot.

So why are Realtors not recommending stagings? Cost? Time? Fear of the client's reaction?
Legitimate questions, yes?

Needless to say I'm grateful we cover the three most pertinent services ~ it allows us to be everywhere and our feedback has been outstanding.

And yet, I want more (isn't that always the case?). My message has always been to make interior design affordable to everyone because it can be. It's a tough message to get across. I recently had an Ontario friend hire a interior decorator (kudos to her!) because she understood the value. Pay for the service now to avoid paying for your mistakes later. Result: It was a positive experience for her and now she'll confidently go ahead with the changes without second guessing (or worse - restarting!) her choices.

I have much more to share but life outside of work is calling (it's Saturday after all!) and we have a big week ahead. My boo is celebrating his 12th birthday on Friday (my baby is growing up!) and we have projects to finish. I WILL be back this week to share some last minute finds for those of you like me who live for all things silver!! Great finds you can pick up before the Holiday rush.

Until then...a sneak peak! Be safe...

Sleepless In....?

2012-03-01T10:02:00.000-05:00

Trouble sleeping? It's a common complaint. Job & family stress are high contributors but did you know that your surroundings can also contribute to your sleeplessness?

Let's sit back and help you find what may be contributing to your sleepless nights.

Clutter: A cluttered space will result in a cluttered mind. Fact.

Does Your Bedroom Look Like This?

When It Should Look Like This?

Consider how much simpler it would be to crawl into a comfy, clean bed without having to maneuver around mountains of clothes, files, and junk. A clean, streamlined space will provide a clear mind.

Electronics

Have one of these in your room? Yes, I'm referring to the television. Get rid of it.

It's affecting your sleep patterns, guaranteed. Bright light & background noise is no way to get a good night's sleep. Can't banish it from your room? Fair enough but do ensure it's turned off 30 minutes prior to settling into your sleep time. The same goes for this culprit;

Yes, we need a way to wake up in the morning and head out to work. But no one needs bright lights to do it. These were designed to ensure we'd wake up on time every morning but are actually helping to keep us awake and adding to our sleep issues. Knowing what time it is when we sleep fitfully is stressful. If you are waking every hour and looking at the clock, it will increase your anxiety. You already know you aren't sleeping. An hourly reminder will only add to your problem.

Set the alarm on your cell phone and place it face down so you aren't constantly reminded of the time. Turn down the light of your alarm clock (most have this feature) and if you can't buy a new one, turn it around and stop looking at it.

That goes for your computer/laptop as well. Turn them off completely 30 minutes before sleep time. Slowly get ready for bed and turn your mind off. Those 30 minutes are now all about you. Use it wisely.

I have a client who swears by lavender; Many would agree. Have you tried it? Lavender has natural relaxation properties. Use your 30 minute downtime for a warm, lavender bath. Try a linen spritzer on your pillow or light some candles. Candlelight is a deep relaxant. Soft light is the cure for a good night's sleep. Team it with lavender and you have a winner.

www.partylite.biz/phancydesign

And never underestimate to power of soft music. Bedtime is not AC/DC or Scorpions time, it's soft, soothing relax time. There are some wonderful Zen CD's out there. I have a love of Thunderstorms so that's my "music" of choice. With so many choices out there you are sure to find something you love. Just remember...play it softly...

And lastly, instead of replaying what went wrong in your life today, try counting your blessings instead. Your credit card payment is late? It's still going to be late tomorrow. No amount of worrying is going to change that. Don't spend time worrying about the things we cannot change, focus on being thankful for the things that are going well in your life.

Sleep well, sleep soundly and be well my friends.

I Gotta Peaceful..Beachy Feeling...

2012-02-21T10:18:00.001-05:00

As I scoured the globe (ok, some local merchants) yesterday I fell upon the perfect chair. Perfect for my beachy living room, perfect for my home staging business, perfect for a multitude of interiors and oh so perfect for our family.

I call it the Cuddle Chair. You can fit a person and a half which means I better hurry because the baby of the family (11 years old) is still a cuddler but he's growing fast!! Ok it would be a tight squeeze even now but that's what cuddles are for, no?

It was love at first sight and first sit. I could have fallen asleep in that chair, right there and then. In the store. I insisted my husband try it out too albeit making it clear that this would be MY chair. Bad move. He loved it. Which means now we have to buy two. But that's OK. In this case, two is definitely better than one (I'm not going to have to fight the kids over it am I?)

So my beautiful, beautiful cuddle chair I will see you in April where we shall meet again, permanently.

Creative Juices Are Flowing...

2012-02-15T10:29:00.000-05:00

In A BIG way.

I would often worry that if we were working too much (can you work too much when you are doing what you love?) that I would run out of ideas. And to be honest, there are some moments where I just cannot put 2 and 2 together but thankfully, those are merely moments and do not translate to long term lapses.

Right now, creativity abounds! I am longing to start the next home. Our wonderful homeowner is raring to go but has a few dedicated tasks to carry out first. Once those have been completed, we will step in.

I am up-to-date on all my tasks so I have a few rare moments to dedicate to my own home. Rare indeed. But it's calling me. And it's loud. Like an incessant ringing in my ears. Which means I am incessantly ringing in my husband's ears. While I call it ringing, he might call it harassing or worse, nagging.

He runs our renovation division so I don't like to ask him to take on home projects because well...he's tired on the weekends and let's face it, I have expensive taste. So that essentially means that the money we bring in would then be going straight out again. I hate it when that happens ;o}

But I digress and all ~~nagging~~ harassing aside, it has to be done.

My living room is small and the layout is challenging to say the least. My current sofa/loveseat is showing signs of having lived with a family of six and a very large dog. And they are much too deep for the space.

So my search begins...the kids are older now (11, 16, 17 and almost 20) and the dog knows better so I'm hoping my dream room can start to take shape. Soon. I want a light and airy space. A collection of modern and beachy. But not kitsy beachy. Modern beachy. It won't be easy but my projects rarely are. I like decorating OUTSIDE that darned box people are so intent on living in.

My faves so far:

See where I'm going with this? And we can't forget the paint now can we?! Benjamin Moore & Martha Stewart to the rescue. I have wrestled with the colours for weeks from numerous other companies as well but I think I've settled on;

Raindance by Benjamin Moore

Chalk by Martha Stewart

While the colours may appear dark as opposed to the light and airy I mentioned early, they are quite bright and I have A LOT of light in this room. I'm not worried ;o)

Stay tuned friends, more to come. In the meantime, please do colour your world!

From Our Family To Yours...

2011-12-19T09:30:00.000-05:00

Phancy Design would like to take this opportunity to wish all their clients, followers and friends the happiest of Holidays.

We wish you great health, prosperity and a safe journey through 2012.

We'll see you after the Holidays and we wish you all the best!

Tracy Biggs
Phancy Design

Are You A Huge Fan Of Partylite?

2011-12-01T08:10:00.000-05:00

Love Partylite? We sure do! As such we have many home decor accessories that we used on display or no longer require.

Contact me if you are missing that one favorite piece from years gone by. We may just have what you are looking for...at liquidation prices!

These Are A Few Of My Favorite Things...

2011-11-25T20:50:00.004-05:00

C'mon, sing it with me...

Turns out that you do not have to be Oprah in order to compile your list of favorite things. My list seems to grow and grow as there are so many fantastic products available right now. You'll be surprised to note however that my list goes beyond the Interior Design spectrum.

Yes, I appear to have more than one layer. Go figure. But don't get too excited as most really do have to do with Decor and Interior Design.

1. We Do...I love the look and message of this shabby chic board and I am not a shabby chic girl. Yet it's one of my new must-haves. I mean there is just so much truth to it. How could I not love it? We do loud loud really well. Uh huh.

2. The Wise Old Owl...I seem to be falling for the Woodland types. Remember "For The Love Of Birch"? Well there you go! A trend that seems to be settling in. Hmmm. Ok, so I love the owl but I particularly love the stark white colour. I am gravitating towards all things white lately as it's just soooo CLEAN. I like clean.

3. And speaking of clean...Love my Rubbermaid mopping system. I love anything that makes cleaning easier actually. I get to control the amount of cleanser and the pad is washable. LOVE it.

4. Black Walls: Dramatic, show-stopping, visceral and bold. I will do this to my own walls some day but I just don't have a room demanding this attention yet. It will come. Sooner rather than later.

And I will pair it with ice blue and silver. If you're going to be dramatic, you have to go all the way.

5. All things silver...: BIG fan of metal I am. Big fan of many elements actually. But metal gets me excited. It's real, it's daring, it's cool.

You can buy these here: Brighten your world

6. Simplicity: Didn't see that coming did you? My passion for all things pretty is quite clear. I love a well designed and properly finished space but I am not one for fuss and muss. Keep it simple please! And that should apply to all aspects of your life too.

7. A Good Deal: I may be frugal but that can be a good thing. By having the knack for finding a good deal I can often pass these great deals onto my clients and they appreciate that.

8. The All Important Giving Back! This is soooo important and feels so good. People tend to overlook the importance of giving back and that really saddens me. One gesture, one moment in time or one small donation can change a person's life forever. Try it, just once. You'll find it addicting, I promise.

9. Friends and Family...BLESSED I AM.

10....

Gulp. I don't have a number 10. I mean I could find a number 10 but that's kind of predictable. There's Tracy at Phancy Design with her own top 10 list. Yawn. Typical.

I like finishing my list with what's really important.

For The Love Of Birch ~ Part Deux

2011-11-04T07:56:00.002-04:00

It was inevitable. I would want more. Turns out Birch is everywhere.

Careful now if this is the road you too want to take. We don't want overkill to set in. Think "Simple.Elegance". We use this term A LOT at Phancy Design. It seems to be what all our clients want right now. Simplicity while maintaining a distinguished aura.

Personally I wanted something realistic and low cost. I found these;

But there was a catch. These babies would set me back over $ 500 and they were consumable. I don't think so at that price. How could I achieve the same look for a lower price and be able to keep them longer?

I came up with these;

These are the real deal and no trees were hurt during the fabrication of these items. Leftover and discarded pieces that can be found simply trekking around your neighbourhood (please DO NOT cut down any trees in order to carry out this project!) . Very cool. And we can reuse, reuse and reuse!

And if you aren't crafty, that's ok. I will be incorporating the Woodland Trio into our projects as well. Nothing beats white right now and these pieces are so clean and simple, they can work anywhere. There are numerous ways to use these pieces (they can be used with taper candles as well) and they are a very affordable $ 35.00.

I was thinking that the Woodland Trio would also look great in the bathroom. They are soothing pieces and would look great around the tub. And if you love this theme for the bathroom, then check out these shower curtains;

Nice!!!

A last word of caution...All of these products are fabulous but remember not to overdue it. A few select pieces are wonderful. A room chock full without rhythm or reason ~ not so much.

Select wisely and happy decorating!

Tracy

For The Love Of Birch...

2011-10-31T08:40:00.002-04:00

So blogging begins again...yes I do apologise for the lapse. Phancy Design has been busy, very busy, and that's a good thing.

Our NEW Marketplace is coming along nicely although taking much longer than we had anticipated. I am fussy or picky or difficult, call it what you like. I want it to be well-made, hassle free and well...perfect. I'll let you know when we launch.

Let's get to the point...For The Love Of Birch.

I am easily inspired. It seems to come naturally to me. A throw cushion, a piece of dinnerware, that one special accessory can send me into a design tizzy. How can I work it in? Where can I place it? How do I make that one little idea become the focal point of a room?

But rarely, rarely do I fall madly and completely in love with an idea. Until now...

As I sourced new, functional, friendly and most importantly unique products for our Marketplace I fell across these;

Well, that was it for me. Hook, line and sinker, you had me at BIRCH (there is also a matching throw blanket at $ 72.00 which I will post as soon as a better photograph can be taken). I was taken in by the natural warmth, the versatility (YES! It can work in a contemporary, rustic or modern environment with ease! Bonus!) And they were at a very reasonable price point so everyone could enjoy them. AND they would not only work for our interior design projects but our Home Stagings as well.

My mind was swirling with ideas and last night, well, last night just about threw me overboard. I've become rather fond of the new show called "Once Upon A Time". It's only been on for two weeks and I'm already looking forward to it every Sunday night. We spent a lot of time in the office of the evil Queen last night and I for one was absolutely DROOLING. Check out her office (credit to Mark Lane for his exquisite designs);

LOOK AT THE BIRCH, LOOK AT THE BIRCH!

Now if I hadn't just updated my office, this would be it for me. Ok, who am I kidding? You just know I have to have this look for me, albeit on a smaller scale. I know I can, I know I can...

So, have I got YOU thinking about birch? Let me know, I'd love to read your comments. Please bear with us as we get the Marketplace on track, we will be posting more frequently.

If you'd love the Birch look for your home, you can reach us via e-mail at Phancy Design, the products are available immediately.

Happy Day!
Tracy

Have You Seen Our New Website?

2011-06-05T22:18:00.000-04:00

I'm am so excited! Our new website is up and running. Please come to visit us, we're always looking for ways to improve our services so tell us what you think!

Thanks for looking!

Phancy Design's Brand New Website

5 Most Important Staging Tips

2011-05-22T08:59:00.000-04:00

1. Pack up your collections

Whether it's Limoge, canisters, baskets or troll dolls (that is a joke!), pack them up and keep them out of view. We want potential buyers to focus on the space, not on your collection (no matter how expensive or pretty it may be).

2. Clean & declutter

The most tedious aspect of selling your home is keeping it pristine and decluttered. So important! A clutter free, spotless home will sell faster because the space looks airy and open.

3. Pretend you don't have pets

Remove any visible signs of pets like feeding bowls, litter boxes and hairballs. These are distracting and will have your future buyers wondering about allergens, urine stains and floor damage. Keep your pets and their accessories out of sight.

4. Tone it down

Your fuschia bedroom or deep purple office space will leave (most) people cold. Buyers usually don't want to have to paint or extensively renovate. Repaint in a creamy, neutral color that will (almost surely) blend in with any type of furnishings.

5. Be flexible

Visits will not always happen when you want them to. When you leave the house in the morning, do a quick run-through and ensure everything is tidy and organised. Visits during the work day happen. Be ready. Plan to be away at dinner time. This also happens. Be prepared to pack up a cold supper and hit the park for dinner. If people can't visit your home when they want, they'll move onto the next one.

March is off to a GREAT start!

2011-03-11T20:51:00.001-05:00

We are all over the map this month! Have you seen us?

Stagings are up, up, up which means the competition is stiff. Are you selling your home?

Do it the Phancy way and sell faster!

My Cup Runneth Over...

2011-02-11T20:30:00.000-05:00

Phancy's got it goin' on in February! WOW! Thank you for all your support and for treating us so well! We're doing it one home at a time!

Thank you to everyone for your faith and trusting us with your homes. Look for some great updates soon.

Feng Shui ~ Believe It Or Not? A Personal Story...

2011-01-26T12:17:00.000-05:00

Are you a feng shui believer or do you think it's just another hokey idea? I believe there are many out there who are divided in their beliefs. I was at first skeptical but I am skeptical by nature. I am however open minded and wanted to learn more. There is a demand for feng shui experts out there and for myself, wanted to learn if I could, in good faith, add this to my design portfolio.

Would there be a demand in my area? Did I want to commit to learning Feng Shui? After much research, reading, and putting it into practice, the answer is yes. The design principles make sense. There is a therapeutic feeling when carrying out the purging of all the junk we had acquired. The results, if only from an aesthetic standpoint are outstanding.

This is our story. Actually my son's story.

My 10 year old son came into this world a month early and full of energy. I noticed immediately at the hospital that unlike most newborns, my son never slept. It had been five years since I last had a baby and may have been out of practice but I was quite sure that he should have been sleeping!! But no, for next three years, yes three years, he would never sleep more than twenty minutes at a time.

We found out when he was two years old that he was suffering from chronic ear infections that had gone undiagnosed all this time and my little trooper never alerted us to any pain. There was no fever, red ears, ear tugging or cries of pain. Never. Explains why he never slept. A year of homeopathy sessions failed as did the dreaded antibiotics. Our salvation came (or so we thought) when he was old enough to have tubes put in his ears. The infections were a thing of the past, the sleeping issues remained. We tried everything and I mean everything.

What does this have to do with Feng Shui? I don't know, you be the judge.

Through the years, sleeping got better but never more than four hours straight. It was a fitful sleep and I could find him at times, drawing pictures in his bed at 3:00am. This was no way to live.

I started my Feng Shui studies last summer and in December, with 2011 right around the corner I decided to Feng Shui every room in our house. I wanted this to be a family project and got everyone involved. We decluttered every room, rearranged all the furniture and even painted. On December 31st, we were running out of time. Less than 16 hours until the New Year and one room remained. My youngest, the non-sleeper was not keen on the idea. His room, on the best day, looked like a tornado ran through it. He is what the French call "traineux" which means he leaves everything lying around.

I put my foot down. He had one hour to declutter and clean. Whatever was left on the floor would be put in the garbage, regardless of its monetary or sentimental value. I wanted to be able to walk in there without tripping or stubbing my toes on something. He wasn't buying it.

Armed with empty laundry baskets, garbage bags, a broom and a recycling bin, my husband and I went on the attack. Seeing we weren't kidding, my son decided to help. After the decluttering and a good sweep I repositioned his bed according to the Feng Shui principles and the rest of his furniture. The room was gorgeous (and spotless!!). Even my son was happy!!!

Again...what's the point? Well...after I explained to him the principles of feng shui again, and how this now uncluttered room would mean an uncluttered mind and fun place to be, he agreed he felt better about the room and would maintain the upkeep.

At 9:00pm on New Year's Eve he decided he did not want to stay up to ring in the New Year as he had on Eve's past and happily retreated to his room. He was fast asleep in less than ten minutes. This was not uncommon but what changed was that he slept a FULL twelve hours that night. Coincidence? Perhaps...

Today is January 26th, 2011 and the room is still spotless. Any items inadvertently left on the floor are put away before bed but most importantly, since the purge and redesign of this room he averages 7-9 hours of sleep EVERY DAY.

The Now Sleeper

Yeah, I'M A BELIEVER!!

My Favorite Things...

2011-01-19T09:55:00.000-05:00

2011 has barely begun and yet I have already been blown away by some of the great things available for our homes. At this rate My Favorite Things may become a monthly article!!

Keeping the list short has been difficult so please enjoy some of my favorite things, so far...

Tart Apple by Behr (Premium Plus) - I love, love, love this paint colour! I think it's quite near the perfect colour for a kitchen or contemporary room and I plan to use it when staging properties. Small doses only though, just to provide the right amount of pop!

You can view all of Behr's paint colours here

I love the idea of relaxing. Note I said the "idea". Relaxation time is hard to find for all of us. Surrounding myself with calming, soothing items and colours gives me a feeling of serenity within all that chaos. Ths is my current fave:

This piece also does double duty. It's an incense holder too! You can get this piece here.

I am of the belief that you can never be too comfortable!! Comfort is good. Comfort to me comes from my latest love...the throw cushion. Can you really have enough throw cushions? The male units in my home would say, "Hell ya! Enough of the throw cushions!!" I say, "Pshaw!" and promptly stick my tongue out while making/ordering/scouting for new throw cushions.

Check out this great assortment here

And finally, at least for today, I have to endulge my glamourous side. I'm not just about comfort you know. I love a healthy dose of BLING!!I'm going to feature these babes at the appropriate staging sites as well. Thing is, I'm quite sure the home owners will want to keep them!! Gotta share the love with everyone! You can get these here.

I'll wrap up January's Favorite Things before I get carried away. Enjoy and get creative today!

Is This A Good Thing Or A Bad Thing?

2011-01-17T09:32:00.000-05:00

Give us your opinion! Tightening Of Mortgage Rules

Main Floor ReDesign

2011-01-05T08:25:00.001-05:00

We love a good redesign project here at Phancy! The possibilies are endless. One of our featured projects in the coming weeks is a living room & eating area redesign. A very, very small space, a teeny budget and lots of WOW!

Think your home is too small or not functioning properly for your family? Don't give up, a good redesign may be all you need. Wait until you see what we are doing for this tiny home, the changes will be dramatic as we take it from cramped to AIRY. It can be done on a small budget and we will use your existing furnishings to boot!

Watch for the updates coming soon!

Do you have a redesign project you would like us to tackle? Contact Phancy Design and love your home again!

Getting It Right The 1st Time...Working From Home.

2011-01-03T12:13:00.001-05:00

I can say with absolute certainty that I did not get it right the 1st time! My new office renovation begins sometime in February so I will be sure to post the before, during and after pics as it happens.

Nothing I am about to tell you is a secret. Nor is it rocket science. It's simply taking what you have and making it better and as such, simplifying your at home business. While it does take some work and effort, once you have made the changes, working will become (almost!) effortless and much more enjoyable.

1) Set Your Office Hours And Stick To Them!
You have an at home business and business is the key word. Run your business. If you are choosing, for example, an eight hour day, then those hours need to be dedicated to your business. This is not the time for doing laundry, dusting the living room or cleaning the bathrooms. If you were working outside the home, these tasks would be accomplished outside of office hours. The same rule applies here. This is a business day, not business combined with keeping up the house. Distractions come easily when working from home. Focus solely on your business.

2) Dress For Success
I come from conservative and pragmatic stock. Surprised I have a creative bone in my body really. I was discussing one day how nice it was to be at home working in my pyjamas. Hooo Boy! A conservative and pragmatic relative read me the riot act and I can tell you that I did not appreciate it. But I will also admit (albeit grudgingly) that they were right. Was I ready at a moment's notice if a client needed me? No, I was in my jammies. Can you really seal a deal in your flannels? Well, maybe, but who has their best game on with bed head and flannel pyjamas? So I took this advice and now dress prior to starting my work day and guess what? My productivity increased as well as my confidence. Go figure.

This is a big NO!

This is a resounding YES!

3) Have A Dedicated Work Space

The kitchen table might be fine when you first start out but once again puts you in direct line with all those distractions I mentioned above. You don't necessarily need a huge space but you will need a calming, professional and well organized space. You deserve it. Feng shui tips as my gift to you :o) are bolded.

a. You desk/table should be a minimum of 48" long. Ideally 52-60". Keep it uncluttered. Uncluttered space = uncluttered mind. Limit your workspace top to your computer, a telephone, and whatever file(s) you happen to be working on that day. Keep the left hand side of your desk completely clear of clutter. Use this space to encourage your cash flow. Place coins, gemstones or a piece of jewelry on a silver or glass plate/dish situated in the upper, left corner of your desk. At the end of the day, clear off your workspace of any files, leaving only the computer, phone and wealth corner in tact.

b. Your office chair should be situated facing the door to your office but not straight in line to the door. Try to arrange the space so you are diagonal to the door. Never have your back to the door nor to a window. If you must sit with your back to a window or door, install a small mirror, located so you can see behind you.

c. Keep your filing cabinet well organized and tidy so you can always find everything you need.

d. Message and/dream boards should be installed directly in front of you. Keeping them in site at all times keeps all the tasks at hand visible to you.

4. Advertise! There Is A Lot Of Free Advertising Available Out There. Grab It!

You don't have to spend a fortune when you are starting out. Go slowly, methodically and take advantage of some of the free advertising out there. It DOES work! A few examples for you...there are many out there so do your research to find what's best for you!

a. Start A Facebook Page

b. Hotfrog

c. Google Listings

d. Kijjiji

e. Create a website

5. Have Fun!

This is your time to be creative. Your office should be a reflection of you and what you love doing. No more boring corporate beige! Paint in colors you love, that soothe you, inspire you!

Ok friends, I will leave you with that for now. I have some sketching to do and a workspace to build! I can't wait to share my designs with you and unveil the office space!

Until next time, be safe, be well and for goodness sake, BE CREATIVE!

So You Want To Work From Home...

2010-12-30T10:17:00.000-05:00

We'll show you how to get it right the 1st time!

Coming Soon!

Happy Holidays!

2010-12-23T23:16:00.001-05:00

To Our Clients, Now Friends And Those We Hold Dear
May Your Holidays Be Filled With Warmth And Good Cheer

Phancy Design wishes each and every one of you the happiest of Holidays!

Last Chance Sale Happening Now!

2010-12-16T00:02:00.001-05:00

My all-time favorite home decorating products are on sale NOW! I love them so much that after six years of being a loyal customer I became an independent distributor in 2004. That may not sound like much to most but if I didn't stand behind these products, Phancy Design would not be selling them!

The NEW 2011 catalogue is being released tomorrow so it's your time to save 25% OFF the 2010 discontinued product.

I have to warn you. These products are for those who insist on buying quality items with a no questions asked 60-day money back guarantee. And you must love pretty things. I insist :o)

My personal weakness is the candles. Extremely long burning times, endless scent and no wasted wax. Say goodbye to crooked pillars, drippy dinner candles and pools of unburned wax. This just doesn't happen here.

And fear not, there are not just Holiday items and scents on sale. It's any of the items not being featured in the new 2011 catalogue.

Phancy often features these great products when we stage or design homes and the feedback has been wonderful! Treat yourself, get a head start on your decor plans or just sit back and enjoy. We all deserve it!

This sale ends on December 31st, 2010. Enjoy!

Ask me about discounts on large or corporate orders. Save even more!