For more information about Cailen Ascher Design or my upcoming book, Well-Designed Living, visit www.CailenAscher.bravehost.com or email CailenAscher@gmail.com.
Before & Afters
Home Staging Advice
To get your home sold faster, you have to see your home through the eyes of the buyer. Be objective and really try to see how potential buyers view your space. Your ultimate goal should be to "neutralize" your home, so that anyone who walks through the door can picture themselves living there.
-De-clutter and organize. Remove personal collections, photos and knick-knacks. Clean out drawers and closets. Remember, buyers will look behind closed doors and if closets are messy, they'll assume there's not enough storage in the house!
-Replace & Update. If you have outdated lighting, stained carpets or old bathroom fixtures - switch it out for something new and sleek. These small updates will give your home the edge over the competition.
-Neutralize. If you have bright or dark paint colors or dated wallpaper on your walls, replace it with a neutral, calm color like a soft tan or light gray. This will give buyers a blank canvas to work from and give them a sense that the home is "move-in ready".
-Make it welcoming. Make sure your front entrance is welcoming. Repaint the door if it's scratched, replace the light fixture if it's old or dirty and buy a new welcome mat. Remember, you can only make ONE first impression!!!
-Finishing touches. Add arrangements of fresh flowers, light a softly-scented candle or bake cookies to make your home smell inviting. These small gestures speak volumes to the buyers.
If you take the time to really ready your home before you list it, you're setting yourself up for success. Think like a buyer, and you'll do great! If you're having trouble having an objective eye, ask your Realtor or hire a professional home stager to provide you with a "to-do" list.
For more information about Cailen Ascher Design or my upcoming book, Well-Designed Living, visit www.CailenAscher.bravehost.com or email CailenAscher@gmail.com.
Excerpt from "Well-Designed Living"
I've been diligently working on my book and am hoping to start distributing it by August 2009. Below is an excerpt to give you an idea of what "Well-Designed Living" is all about...
Introduction
Design is not an exact science. In order for a design to be truly successful, you have to listen to your gut, trust your instincts, and accentuate the best features.
This holds true whether you are designing your home, your wardrobe, or your lifestyle. It may seem like a strange concept to “design” your lifestyle, but it’s vital in creating the life you want and deserve.
Some people constantly feel that they are the victim of circumstances and that their life is out of their control. They feel trapped by their current reality, but our current reality is just that, current; it can start to change next month, next week, tomorrow, or even now as you read this book.
We are the primary players in the creation of our lifestyles. We sculpt and mold every element of our lives with both attention and neglect. The goal of this book is to help you create harmony in your life so that you feel fulfilled. Our bodies and our homes showcase what we hold dear, our priorities, and what we like and dislike. Therefore, it is important to pay attention to these two pillars of our lives, for without stability and confidence in these areas, our lives feel imbalanced and stressful.
The act of design may come naturally to some, but is often daunting, and it is often helpful to turn to a professional, a designer, for guidance. Let this book be your lifestyle designer to help you create your best life…starting now. I strongly recommend keeping a journal throughout this process. It’s a great way to record your feelings, goals, motivations and improvements.
With the help of this book, you will learn the art of
Well-Designed Living:
The Self
How to love and listen to your body.
How to let your authentic inner voice be your guide and live intuitively.
The Home
How to make your home a reflection of the
life you want.
For more information about Cailen Ascher Design or my upcoming book, Well-Designed Living, visit www.CailenAscher.bravehost.com or email CailenAscher@gmail.com.
Pictures of Finished Designer Room
A few weeks back, I had a photographer come in and take pictures of the final room. I've posted them below - I'm really pleased with how the room came together!
Hope you've enjoyed your look at "The High Society Bedchamber". To see the room in person, visit the Bucks County Designer House before May 31st. For details, ticket information and directions visit www.buckscountydesignerhouse.org.
For more information about Cailen Ascher Design or my upcoming book, Well-Designed Living, visit www.CailenAscher.bravehost.com or email CailenAscher@gmail.com.