Love sitting around the campfire but don’t think you’re going to make it to the great outdoors this summer? We here at thehomestylist.com have the perfect solution: build your own backyard firepit! Firepits, like the one pictured above (designed by our home staging genius, Julie Dana) help create a cozy atmosphere for outdoor living. They can be anything to a simple open pit (safely built of course) to much more elaborate installations. Just add a few adirondack chairs and some marshmallows and you have the perfect evening in the great outdoors…just steps from your back door!

Love this look? Contact Julie Dana at julie@thehomestylist.com and she can help you plan the outdoor living space of your dreams!

What can we say? Sometimes even the most clever designers get stuck and need a jolt of inspiration. Here at the offices of The Home Stylist what we love most about summer is the chance to get out, see what’s going on in our area and re-ignite our imaginations . From Garden Walks and Architectural Tours to a simple stroll around the neighborhood, when we need a little inspiration indoors, our first step is to head OUTDOORS!

For our Western New York clients, we’d like to encourage you to attend Buffalo Garden Walks, one of the largest outdoor events of it’s kind. Held the last weekend of July, this self-guided tour takes you through over 300 gardens in the Western New York. And the best part? It’s free! You know how much we love that word around here! So get out, enjoy the sunshine and get a little outdoor living inspiration! For more information, check out their website www.gardenwalkbuffalo.com

Not in Western New York? Not a problem! Loads of cities have caught the gaden walk fever, check your local paper for upcoming events. And if all else fails, make up a tour of your own! Who knows, next year it may your outdoor tour we’re turning to for inspiration!

Somewhere in western New York, I have been hard at work helping to get a house ready for the market. I have been selecting paint colors, new carpeting, new flooring and new light fixtures. It is looking so GOOD!

Except for one thing….the curb appeal 

Try as I might, I cannot convince the owners to cut those bushes down. One long stroke of the chainsaw would improve that curb appeal by 100%.  I just don’t get it. Listen to your home stager – we provide an objective point of view.

Now that this photo is posted,  I have either convinced them or I’ll be fired – one or the other.

Julie

On a recent home staging project, one of the major improvements was addressing the curb appeal.

I noticed this snow sculpture the other day. The fence, gate and lions are totally made from snow. This is what I call the ultimate in winter curb appeal. Don’t you agree?

(March 13, 2008, Oakwood Ave., East Aurora, NY)

Even though I think it is cool, I hope it melts soon. I am ready for spring.