Oh my goodness..... I am like the journal that has two pages written or the diet that lasted one week or the treadmill that collects dust when it comes to blogging....

I had some great staging and decorating projects this year!  Lots of staging preparing for the spring market.  Then a great trip back up to Toronto to help a friend's mother redecorate her townhome.  Always love mixing a visit with business if possible.  The project turned out great!

Summer was a great mix of family time, sports, swimming and working on some wonderful decorating projects.  A Dartmouth family is updating an older 80's style home and they are a joy to work with.  Love love love my clients!

2013 has been all about Meeting new realtors, clients, and enjoying the beauty of life in Halifax, Nova Scotia.

This fall is all about back to updating my work and my website.  Hence my sincere apologies for not keeping this blog up to date.  I will need to do some creative writing some day soon! And write write write for future slack offs!

In the meantime, check out my interview with East Coast Living on decorative storage in their summer issue.  It was great to stage the photo shoot and discuss the benefits of great tips and tricks for storage as discussed in the article "Hiding in Plain Sight".  Cannot wait for the fall issue to come out soon!

Happy New Year! 
This Holiday was fabulous and as I am boxing everything up this week, I am grateful for another wonderful season fillled with lots of family and friends.  I cherished every awe struck yelp from my two small children that are at the perfect age to truly believe in the magic of Christmas.

I had packed up from my November Homes for Holidays event.  The Junior League of Halifax has some amazing ladies.  We are a very lucky city to have volunteers like them working hard for the health and welfare of women, children, and families in HRM.
The Homes for the holidays event was great.  See a write up from Ideas for the Home Magazine here:
http://ideasmagazine.ca/homes-for-the-holidays/

I was also thrilled to pick up a few copies of Corey Poirier's new book that featured a great chapter on my business called Conversations with Nova Scotians.  Corey has also launched a new radio show and he is a great listen (not to mention an islander too!)
See his page here:
http://www.coreypoirier.com/

Another property that didn't sell  in months was then listed and sold in a month (month of December at that!)  by Gail Morris at Domus Realty.  A super spectacular lady, realtor, and business women with over 30 years experience selling real estate in the city of Halifax.  It is wonderful to see those that believe in the wonders of staging seeing it pay off.  I love it!  Thanks for always believing in what I do, Gail!

As for post Christmas blahs........... it is time for you to make some home decor resolutions.  Stay tuned.  I will be back with some great tips, tricks, and trends for 2013!!  or book a consultation and get started!
www.monarchinteriors.ca

Homes for the Holidays DIY Projects

 

As promised, here is a list of some of the great do-it-yourself projects that were used on the Winter Wonderland House at 1990 Woodlawn Terrace:

 

Snowy village globe:

Use any glass jar (something tall works well if it is at eye level) but make sure the mouth is wide enough to fit your house.  Add a bit of white rocks to the bottom for the a base, add fake snow, add a small house.  I repainted mine with Golden spray paint and repainted the white snow with craft paint on top.  I also notice little houses that you can turn the lights on with a switch from the bottom - Kind of like a flameless candle.  Then add a couple trees and you have created your own snow globe!  You could also use balls like seen in the kitchen.  Reindeer, church, snow birds, etc. to make it your own idea.

 

 

Christmas Balls Candle holder:

The four tall candles on the dining room table were from Pier 1.  I added balls in different sizes and texture to create interest and continue the color theme of the room.  However, any large glass vase with a round top could work and you could try adding a saucer or bottom of a plant pot to the top, then putting a candle on it.  Don't be afraid to paint the saucer to match.

 

 

Outdoor white Light Globes:

At the top flower bed there was three white globes lite up as you left the property.  This were simply the 70's style light fixtures turned upside down and lights added up inside.  You could use this idea year round!

 

 

Hot Chocolate Mugs:

For the fake hot chocolate on the table I simply sprayed a spray insulation foam in a clear plastic cup.  Once it dried, I picked off pieces to keep it fluffy looking and set it inside a regular coffee mug.

 

Outdoor Table centerpiece:

On the middle of the table, I cut logs into three different sizes, added small wreaths and flameless candles to create an outdoor inspired centerpiece

 

Mason Jar Candles:

Along the top wall, I used a cut log into a disc and set a mason jar on top. I used small plastic crystals from the dollar store inside, but you could also use epsom salts here as well.  Then I added a flameless candles and some red sparkle.  You could also add holly or cut up a string of red beads so that it looks like holly.  For rainy days I would put the lid on.

Mantel:

Some folks were asking if I had to secure the items on the mantel in any way.  No, but I wouldn't want to bump into it!  Start your mantel with the basic greenery cut to size.  Then add your lights.  Place the any major accent pieces like the extra large poinsettia swags on the sides.  Add your focal point like my reindeer and sleigh (could be candles, trees, ornaments, etc.) and make sure you are please with the spot.  Then work in extra greenery, picks, or swags accordingly to create balance and texture.

I hope everyone enjoyed the Homes for the Holidays event.  It was a wonderful experience that I will remember for many Christmas' to come!  Thanks to all my vendors and volunteers.  And the very supportive Homeowners! 

MERRY    CHRISTMAS

Where does the time go?  Here we are into November with Christmas just around the corner.  Some people are saying "no, not yet....I can't even think about Christmas yet!"  Well folks, I have been thinking Christmas since last June!

Yes, June was when I viewed the home I would be decorating for The Junior League of Halifax's Home for the Holidays event for the first time.  It has been two years since this popular event has taken place and there is much excitment to see it's return.  The home I have the pleasure of decorating is located off Quinpool Road at 1990 Woodlawn Terrace.

The ladies of the Junior League have been excellent at organizing this event and the vendors I am working with (Bowring, Pier 1 Imports, Dean's Flowers, and Munden's Moving) have been so accomadating and generous.  It is so heartwarming to see all these businesses come together to support the Junior League in their many charities.  As successful businesses in this community, these vendors are always running at a hectic pace, but taking time to share our talents is what giving is all about.

Here are the links to these very generous business:

www.bowring.com
www.deansflowers.ns.ca
www.mundensmoving.com
www.pier1.com

And of course, yours truly:

www.monarchinteriors.ca

 The Website has been recently updated so if you have not been on it in a while, please check it out!


Spread the Word and come on out to see some lovely homes and get into the spirit!
http://www.juniorleagueofhalifax.org/

Friday, November 23 1:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Saturday, November 24 11:00 am - 5:00 pm
Sunday, November 25 11:00 am - 5:00 pm


Tickets are $20 in advance or $25 at the door. Ticket retailers will be selling tickets the weeks leading up to and including the event weekend. Tickets will also be available at each door during the event.
No Admittance to children under the age of 8 years.

Ticket Retailer	Location	Phone Number	Website
Pete's Frootique	Dresden Row, Halifax Sunnyside Mall, Bedford	425-5700 835-4997	http://www.petesfrootique.com/
Bib ‘n Tucker	6423 Quinpool Road, Halifax	423-0168	http://bibntucker.ca/
Sweet Jane’s	5431 Doyle Street, Halifax	425-0168	http://www.sweetjanes.com/
Thornbloom – The Inspired Home	The Trillium, 1459 South Park Street, Halifax	425-8005	http://www.thornbloom.com/
Two if by Sea Cafe	66 Ochterloney Street, Dartmouth 1869 Upper Water Street (Historic Properties) Halifax	Dartmouth 469-0721 Halifax 492-4600	http://twoifbyseabakeshop.com/
Junior League Members		429-9437	info@juniorleagueofhalifax.org
Scotia Bank - Quinpool Location	6169 Quinpool Rd, Halifax		http://scotiabank.com
Scotia Bank - Coburg Location	6005 Coburg Road, Halifax		http://scotiabank.com

"Tis the Season" - Seasonal Decorating

 My "happy place" in 

Prince Edward Island.

 When we hear the term seasonal decorating, we often associate it with a holiday celebration.  I would like to broaden your thinking about the term as I share with you some great ways to update your home decor depending on the time of year.

I just completed my "Spring Change Over" as I like to call it.  Every spring, I remove the dark, jewel-toned bedding, pillows and copper drapes from our master bedroom to a plain white quilted coverlet and drapes.  I accent with sand pillows and add light airy accents to the room.

The main walls in our master are a sage green colour so both looks work equally well.  Something to keep in mind when choosing a paint colour.  I love the summer fresh feeling when I enter the room and it brings me joy to welcome the Season of Summer into my home.  The space is calm and cool and the materials themselves are lighter for summer sleeping.

Then, after 5 months or so, I am ready to welcome the coziness of fall back into the space.  Bringing back in the warm, dark tones that are down to earth and reflecting our need to stay warm and cozy for winter!  

This way I have two looks in one year and it prevents me from getting tired of any one look.  I often perform my Spring Change Over when I switch my closets from winter to summer clothing.  It is very exciting to invite this widely anticipated season back into our family household!

Likewise, a few other rooms in my home get "seasonal updates".  I often swap out the textured furry pillows and throws for lighter summer fabrics.  Having pillow covers will allow for a quick change without replacing the entire toss cushion.  And you can even find pillow covers at the Dollar Store now!  

Then I add shells or other summer-like items to some of the centrepieces and switch up our family portraits for our latest beach shots.  I usually cut some fresh lilacs from the garden to bring the smells of spring into the house.  These Spring/Summer items are inexpensive or often free so why not display them to enjoy all summer long.

If we only get 4-5 months to enjoy this season, why not love it whether you are inside or out!!

  My husband's "happy place"

 in Cape Breton.

We are so lucky to share the best places in the world with our children.  Hooray for Summer!

Home Staging Tips

Home Staging 

As part of every Home Staging consultation, I write up a detailed report, room by room, of things the homeowners can do to improve their chances of selling their home quickly and for the right price.
Some clients hire me back to complete the staging process, but whether or not I return, the HOMEwork they finish before listing is imperative.  In a very stressful time, it is the detailed list of jobs to follow that keeps them on track.  No matter how daunting these tasks may seem at first, having a template clearly laid out makes it easier to do everything one project at a time.
The homes I see vary greatly, but there are usually a few constant tips that can help any homeowner as they are preparing to list their property:

Curb Appeal and Entrance:

Painting the front door a fresh color will draw the eye into the property and invite the potential buyer into the home.  Depending on the season, a few pots of flowers in a similar color will add that extra touch.  Walkways, yards, and flower beds should be clear of debris and as clean as possible.  Pressure washing is an easy way to give the entire exterior a clean appearance. 
As you enter the house, make sure shoes, coats and extra belongings are cleared away. Place a clean rug at the inside of the front door.  Allow space in the entrance for at least 3 people to enter comfortably.

Living Areas (Living Room, Family Room, Rec Room):
Look for a focal point to centre furniture around.  Focal points are often a fireplace, sofa with nice art above, or a large window.  Try to avoid making the Television the focal point in the room if at all possible.  The focal wall is often, but not always, the first wall you see when you enter the room.
Pare down any unnecessary items.  Pack away anything that you feel you could live without for 6-10 weeks.
Depersonalize by removing family photos, personal belongings, and memorabilia.  Keep a few key pieces of art placed accordingly in the room.
Collections and personal memorabilia are items you may hold near and dear to your heart, but they become a distraction to buyers.  Figurines or sport collections should be packed away until you move into your next home, where they can receive all the attention they deserve.

Kitchens:
As in all rooms, only leave what you absolutely need.  Keep counters as clear as possible.  Remove any table clothes, runners, and tea towels.  Smooth surfaces allow an open and clean feeling.
Even if you have a small kitchen, do not leave extra storage containers in place.  A separate pantry or plastic cabinet in the corner only showcases lack of storage space.
Keep all appliances clean and decluttered.  All magnets and papers should be removed off the refrigerator.
Scatter mats throughout the home should be kept to a minimum.  Many items on the floor distract from the flow of the interior in both the pictures and during the showings.

Bathrooms:
Clean, Clean, Clean.
Remove all personal toiletries and place within easy access for daily use.  Plastic or wicker baskets full of your daily products can sit on the counter when they are in use, then placed in the hall closet or under the sink for a quick clean up for a last minute showing.  This is the perfect way to clean the bathroom with ease.
Place fresh white/neutral towels and shower curtain in the bathroom for that hotel/spa feeling.  Place towels on towel rack and fold a couple on the counter or by the tub.
Again, remove any scatter mats in here as well.  No toilet seat covers with matching mat around the tank please!!

Bedrooms:

Master bedrooms should also portray that hotel feeling as much as possible.  Furniture should feel open and fit in the room with space between each piece.  If this doesn't happen, you may have to move one dresser out for a couple weeks to make the space open and spacious.
Ideally, the bed should be the focal point in the room, and therefore, the first thing you see when you enter the room.  Sometimes, there is a window on that first wall.  If this is the case, dress the window and highlight this area as well.
Beautiful bedding and lots of pillows invites the buyer to feel comfortable and cozy in what will someday be their master suite.  Lamps and bedside tables that are an appropriate size for the room and bed plus a nice piece of art above the bed should give this room the impact it deserves.
Kids rooms are basically taken for what they are - Kids rooms.  Pare down any unused toys, clothes, etc.  and keep things as organized as possible.  Place furniture with a focal point in mind.  Depersonalize posters, trophies, etc.

Other Tips and Tricks:
Walls, floors and large surfaces need to be as clear as possible.  When there are too many photos scattered all over the wall or too many items on the counter, the viewer's eye rests on each individual item and does not take the room in as a whole.  This gives the impression of clutter to the viewer and is confusing to the eyes when looking at a photo online for the split second they peek at your listing.
Smelling great never hurts either.  Smoke, pet scents, and cooking smells are never an appealing way to enter anyone's home.  Fresh air and baking smells are the best ways to add an wonderful smell to the house.  After all, our sense of smell is the first memory trigger in our brains. You want their visit to your home to be associated with great memories!
Added touches never hurt.  Just don't over do it.  Drapes, cushion covers, and a few centerpieces in an  updated decor will be just the that little extra to make your house their home.

Good Luck!

Julie Boudreau
www.monarchinteriors.ca
902-719-5853

The importance of Texture and Layers......

Today I would like to discuss the importance of Texture and layering when decorating.  Furnishings and color are usually decided first when redesigning a room, but do not underestimate the power of texture.
Smooth shiny surfaces, mirrored surfaces, fur, woven textiles, silks, patterns, beads,  shaggy rugs, etc.  all give a different feel to the space through texture. 
Different layers of various textures bring style and interest to the space and add warmth.  This is especially true when using a monochromatic color scheme.  Various shades of a similar color need texture to warm up the space and add depth.  If you feel your space is feeling cold, think of various textured pieces that will invite your guests inside.
For example, this week I am putting together a master bedroom for a couple that just moved in.  So far, we have warm dark rich wood furniture and a soft blue color for the walls.  I choose a silky blue duvet and will be adding layers of texture to the bedding. A cream quilt coverlet for the bottom of the bed and various cushions in wool, silk, and silver sequence with add interest to the smooth blue duvet.  Both large euro pillows and long rectangular pillows add different shapes and texture to the bed.  We will have a smooth shiny mirror above the large dresser and hints of silver in the curtains, chair, and new light fixture to add another texture and color to the space.  The bedside table will have lamps that are clear glass with a textured shade in a woven cream.  Other hints of the cream color will be added through a throw blanket, long cream branches in the corner and some tall grasses in a pearl vase in the ensuite.
Besides texture, remember to add various groupings together in a stepped and layered effect.  For example, on a bedside table, you could have a lamp, then a mid-sized vase, followed by a small frame.  Or a Lamp, mid sized frame, and then small candle.  Adding various heights and layering the items in front of each other are appealing to the eye and add to the overall look in the space.  Try practicing with texture and shapes by moving some pieces you already own around and see if you notice a difference! 
www.monarchinteriors.ca