Staging Properties - HD

Vive La Provence

2010-07-25T12:45:00.000+01:00

I have always been fascinated by the French countryside, specially Provence.

The colours are so true and rich and the atmosphere is

indescribable.

If you have never been to the South of France - get there!

Anything with a hint of old and vintage is remarkable and with the added modern twist,

you can create an amazing interior.

Here I am aiming more for the French Vintage Style.

This old traditional table is eye catching, but it has to be set in the correct interior,

or else it would loose its focus point.

Again this is one of my favourites.

I Love the rustic look (even if new) and the original wood showing off

its natural effect.

Old and Rustic book shelves decorated with old books brings a natural look.

Go to Antique shops and look for great bargains - which you will find - and restore if required. You can really create amazing interiors by combining the old rustic take with modern design.

Enjoy...

How to Get Highly Inspired

2010-06-13T20:44:00.003+01:00

I am writing this today, which has nothing to do with Interior Design / Decoration, but it is something that I would like to share with everyone which inspired me more than anything I experienced. And because I got so inspired, I would like everyone who reads this to go and get inspired and live your dreams.

For the last two days, I was attending a seminar about business, creating your own dreams and of course financial freedom. I have attended many such seminars before and I have always learnt a few things about improving your business and improving yourself, personally. However, this time I was at the National Achievers Congress in London and was honoured to be in the presence of Robert & Kim Kiyosaki and their amazing team of advisors. The room itself was filled with positive energy and was so vibrant; you couldn’t help but just feel part of their world of success.

Kim Kiyosaki was thriving to motivate all women, so they can make their dreams come true and move forward to a successful life. You can see her passion for life and how determined she is to get the message of success over to all the women in the world.

Robert Kiyosaki was a true and honest man on stage. What you see is what you get. But being a proper business man, I have great admiration for him to see what he has achieved in life and the fact that he wants to share this, help and support others who want to make their future happen.

Richard Duncan – author of Corruption of Capitalism - was also on Richard Kiyosaki’s team and it was interesting to hear his philosophy about the world and the global economy today. He also described the two philosophical ways the future will hold for the UK economy as well as USA...I must admit that it was a bit scary to hear the reality of it all, but again it made me realise how important it is to have your strategy in place and take action before it is too late. See the link below for his book.

CEO of Success Resources, Richard Tan, also said the following, which I think is very true:
“Your BIGGEST ASSET is what sits between your ears, and this is free. It costs you nothing to Think, so why not Think BIG. Because when you Think BIG, your problems become small.”

But in the end, you cannot gain success or get rich quickly – the true message is that, if you are motivated to make your life successful and to achieve your dream... go and get Financial Education. This is the answer to your future.

Do yourself a favour and if you haven’t read any of Rich Dad’s books, get it!

Yet again, my head is filled with ideas, I am geared with inspiration and I am following the road to success.

Thank you Robert & Kim

Free Webinar on Property Staging & Interior Decoration

2010-05-15T14:24:00.004+01:00

Free Webinar on Property Staging & Interior Decoration
I am very excited, as I am currently working on my series for Staging Properties. This will consist of 10 Highly Recommended topics for all property investors & home owners, especially if they are trying to sell their properties quickly and for more added value.

To make it easy for everyone, we will be hosting the series via Webinars, which makes it very interactive and convenient. This allows you to get all the tips you need, from the comfort of your own home. No need to travel somewhere or sit in a class room. All you need is your computer and internet connection and of course a few minutes to sit and listen to the abundance of information available.

To give you a little taster of the series, please e-mail me today and you can join our first free Webinar on the 1st June - Did I mention FOR FREE? Make sure to have your note books ready. The Valuable Tips will steer you in the right direction to add value to your property - first time.

Contact me today and I am more than happy to send you information regarding the free Webinar:
henriette@staging-properties.com

Selecting the Right Colour Scheme

2010-05-08T12:59:00.000+01:00

Selecting the Right Colour Scheme

This is to all the ladies who share the same indulgence when opening a box of fine, selected chocolates. You can feel your heart throbbing, admiring the swirls and delicacies on top of every shape. Selecting one at a time based on you preferred taste, starting with the white chocolate or the brown, scanning through the little “menu” inside the lid. Oh and what about the one filled with oozing caramel, not forgetting the trophy of all the chocolates in the box, situated right in the middle... the one and only. I’ll save this one for last you think, but temptation strikes and before you know it, it melts slowly in your mouth.

Selecting the right colour scheme for any property is like opening this box of chocolates. It’s a tough decision to make as it is, thinking about your own taste and what you want, but will it work? A colour scheme is not just about what colour you are going to paint the walls, there is much more to that. It’s about the variations of items, such as furniture and accessories you will use in different colours which combine together as one whole scheme.

Neutral colours as a base line is the best way to start, as this allows you to create and add any other colour way on top to emphasize an item of focal point. For example, by painting the walls in a soft creamy-yellow colour and the cornices, ceilings and plinths in white, you have just created your base line or “blank canvas” as I like to call it.

It is extremely hard to try and visualise colours, because in today’s modern world, colour is in abundance and it is almost impossible to try and focus on a specific colour without seeing it. Cut images out of magazines and collect fabric samples and swatches of colour palettes. Put them all together on the floor or the table of your selected room and arrange all the items with the same colour scheme in little groups. Take your time to arrange and select your options. Have a cup of tea (with a chocolate or two) and then come back and look at your selection again. Once satisfied, you get started with the design.

Inspiration for Decoration

2010-05-01T14:33:00.001+01:00

I Love Architecture...While driving through the English & French Country side, I make sure to always have my camera with me, because you never know what you might find around the next corner. The best way to describe it, I suppose is like treasure hunting.

I am always inspired by the Architectural shapes, curves, flows of design and of course how everything is connected. Traditional architecture makes you feel like walking back into time and the opposite applies for the modern architecture. But what I like the most about it is that in today’s time (and age) you can combine old and new in design and decoration. Designing has become even more interesting in every aspect of the modern age, where it does not have to be periodic or modern, but both.

If you ever lack inspiration, remember that you can always find it anywhere around you. Just go outside of your normal comfort zone and see what is out there - you will be amazed.

The Basics of Interior Design

2010-04-24T00:04:00.003+01:00

The Basics of Interior Design
We often think of different ways to decorate and stage a property to make it more desirable for potential tenants, buyers or even yourself. However just by sticking to the basics of designing, you have a better chance of succeeding and creating the perfect interior. Add a few hints and tips and you will be amazed with the outcome.

Deciding on the correct colour scheme is the most important step forward. If you are not familiar with all the colour schemes, you might get overwhelmed trying to decide which colour to choose. Tip: Stick with Neutrals. Using white, off-white, creams and greys help you to create the “blank canvas” from which you can build on and decorate to your taste. Another important fact is that this also creates a sense of space.

Once your blank canvas is ready, decide on your focal point in each room. It could be a fireplace, the bed or even your dining table. Start by arranging the bigger items such as furniture in the room. Using either a symmetrically balanced layout or asymmetrical, it should have a good “flow” and make access to all areas of the room possible. Remember to keep it to a minimalistic standard and not clutter the room with too many items.

Bringing in all the soft furnishings are always fun. Embrace the modern world with all the different curtains, pillows, throws, rugs in all their shapes and sizes. Think of the textures you want to use as well as the different patterns. It might be a textured rug with squared patterns. You can copy this and use squared patterned pillows on your sofa as an example. Be careful not to use it in excess as this can create disturbance and restlessness to the eye.

We can always appreciate the effect a few final touches can bring to finalise your design. Using a few items such as ornamental vases, framed pictures and candles can always come in handy. Arrange them in pairs or in uneven numbers around the property, but don’t clutter the rooms with too many displays. Also use freshly cut flowers in vases in the hallway or living room. The scent of the flowers is very inviting and can be relaxing.

Remember to make your property cosy. Light candles and play soft music in the background when you have potential buyers viewing the house. Keep you cupboards and wardrobes clean, because they are bound to have a look in there.