Julie Dana is an Accredited Staging Professional and interior decorator who has been styling homes for almost 10 years. She is a contributor and co-author to several publications including, The Complete Idiot's Guide to Staging Your Home to Sell . In her downtime, Ms. Dana enjoys mentoring new professionals and being a wife and mother to her two wonderful sons.
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I have been helping a lot of people shop for furniture lately. Maybe the economy is really turning around? – no – it is just people spending their tax refunds
There are a lot of great furnture stores out there but just be cautious when working with a salesperson who works on commission; many sales people do – and there is nothing wrong with that – just as a shopper you need be careful of being talked into too much furniture. I have found many salepeople over sell the amount of furniture you really need.
One recent example: a great couple was re-doing their formal living room. It really only needed a sofa and two great chairs but the couple called me in to see the plans. Yes – this plan had waaaay too much furniture.
You can always go back and add another chair if you feel you need to but it is difficult and maybe impossible to return the extra piece.
The Home Stylist doesn’t work for a particular store. I can honest tell you what you need. Call me so I can help you make wise purchases. (716) 912-1581
Yesterday my "Arts & Crafts Style on the Cheap" was held at the Roycroft Copper Shop. It was a great morning. Attendees came from the Buffalo area but also from Washington DC and Canada’s Niagara-on-the-Lake.
Attendees learned lots of tips for developing the mission or arts & crafts style for their homes. One section was about "if you can only afford one item for that room" what should that be. Sound like a presentation you would like? Stay tuned for when this class is offered next.
I hope this long winter has you dreaming and planning of a sunny vacation spot. If you are lucky enough to go someplace warm this winter, be sure to bring back seashells or seaglass. These treasures make excellent decorating pieces. They help to personalize your home and they are free!
In the last month or so, two of my favorite shelter magazine have closed. The magazines, domino and “O” at Home, are no longer publishing. Yes, I guess it is the sign of the times but I am still bummed. Home style changes so fast that by the time some books get published cutting edge tips and designs have come and gone. Magazine print cycle is faster so you can (er–rather could) keep up with the trends.
What is your favorite shelter magazine? I need a new favorite to fill the void. What do you suggest?
Just like many people, January finds me cleaning, sorting and organizing this time of the year. One closet of mine is just overflowing with books I have read. Thinking I could use the closet for other stuff, I found the best thing to do with all these books.
The website is called Paperback swap (but they take hardcovers and audio books too.) You list books you are willing to swap and list books you want. I LOVE it!!!
I save money by not buying new books and I clean out clutter. Yeah! I highly recommend this site. (you can click on the blue box above to take you right there)
