Posted in: The Bulletin, York Region, Sept.2009 issue

We asked Susan of Martin Designs…..
Q. How can I make my laundry room more efficient?

Space management is one of the most important features for a laundry room these days. I have tackled a few of these design dilemmas and one thing I discovered is that clients enjoy this room so much more when it becomes a fresh, bright and efficient space to work in.
One of the biggest ways to save space and energy is to invest in Energy Starr front-loading units. I personally prefer units without the base which can then accommodate a counter top to sort and fold laundry. A second way to gain counter space is by exchanging the large sink basins that are usually installed which are too deep, most often stained and basically unsightly. One alternative is to replace the large basin with a stainless steel sink that can be top mounted onto the new counter top. Installing a cabinet base under the sink to hold soaps and cleaning supplies finishes off the base of the counter and gives way to the array of cabinets most of us have above the machines. Once the cabinets above the machines are replaced with a stainless steel closet rod or closet wire organizer, you have then created an energy efficient drying area. By doing so, you are able to hang clothes to dry on the rod and use less energy with the dryer. For all of the small items, a wire drying stand (purchased at Home Depot or Ikea) will do the trick. I place my wire rack outside during the fresh summer days and leave it in the laundry room during the winter. I tend to only use the dryer to fluff clothes for no more than 10 minutes per load.
Another space saving idea is to install a wall mounted or built-in wall fold away ironing board. There are a number of manufacturers to choose from and different sizes and styles are available. Lastly, don’t forget to paint your new space to enjoy your time and take away those laundry day blues….

See other related articles, go to
www.martindesigns.ca – what’s new

We asked Susan Crema-Martin of Martin Designs…
Q. How can I create great curb appeal for my house?A. Good curb appeal enhances the architectural features of the house and creates an inviting feel to the home.

Start by walking across the street to get a good look at your overall landscape.
• Assess the condition of your lawn. Over-seed to fill in bare spots. This will also help keep the weeds down. Professional Landscapers recommend reseeding every year to maintain a healthy lawn.
• Eliminate weeds. Trim overgrown trees, shrubs and vines.
• Well groomed shrubs and greenery around windows and doors, along with a good lighting design, not only enhances your curb appeal but increases your homes security.
• It is time to hit the nurseries for some fresh flowers to enjoy this season. Choose plants of different heights to create interest and draw the eye to the front of your home. Generally keep the taller plants at the back of the beds. Be sure to use some cheery colours in your scheme.
• Mulch. This will reduce watering and weeding. Mulch will also add colour and texture.
• Guide visitors with an elegant pathway. Ensure stones are in good repair and properly leveled for safety.
• A planter or urn on either side of the door will frame the front entrance, create a sense of formality and draw visitors in. If you have the room, porch chairs or a bench will enhance the inviting feeling of your entrance.
• Paint the front door. A strong colour will help your front door stand out from the rest of the façade. Be sure to take into consideration the tones in your brick/ siding when choosing your door colour.
• Replace the door hardware, lighting fixtures, numbers and mailbox to update and accent the entrance. This is your homes jewelry. The finishing touch.

With some simple updating and “sweat equity” your homes curb appeal will be refreshed and enlivened.
Susan Crema-Martin is the owner of Martin Designs – Home Staging with a Vision

With 9 homes on the market on the same street is a tough sell for a young couple who are looking at moving to a bigger home. Their home has been sitting on the market for 2 months until they had it staged with Martin Designs. The call just came in with joy in their voice, “it sold – in only 9 days after the first open house, we can’t believe it!”
Our client called on a Fri. for a consultation, rushed to complete the work that we set out for them for Sat. and our team completed the staging on Sat. morning all for a home tour on the Sun. before the Easter long weekend that was fast approaching.
A home buyer saw this house on the tour, looked at it again twice and put in an offer within the week.
Our clients are tickled pink!
Staging works…

Both Christine Rae and Duncan Scott have been in the Toronto Sun for the last 2 weeks under a 3 part series in Home Staging (Jan 9th and 16th respectively).
I will also be featured in the 3rd part (Staging high and low) next week, Jan. 23rd

Go to www.TorontoSun.com for the articles

Last month, I had the opportunity to present to Home Hardware’s top 25 sales reps from across Canada.
I spoke to the group about Home Staging and Staging for Living. Everyone was very attentive and I received great reviews from the participants and an invitation to return to next years’ gathering in Burford, Ontario.
I am fortunate to have found my passion and for this reason I believe presenting to others is easier because I believe in it.

November was Staging Awareness Month. About 11 CSP members met at the latest RESA round table in Toronto along with other staging professionals. We had a number of items to discuss including the current staging industry, ethics and creating standards across the board for all stagers.
It was great to hear different experiences throughout the day from all the stagers and we all walked away more knowledgeable and networked with new friends and co-workers.

Business Women’s Networking Association (BWNA)
Chapter Conference and Luncheon

I was fortunate to attend this years BWNA conference and luncheon on May 13th, 2008.
A keynote speaker, Jacquie Hermans (Professional Development Trainer and Laughter Coach) provided us with 3 essential strategies for achieving blooming results in her speech “How does YOUR garden grow”?

Diana Bright – The Success Coach provided us with a workshop, “From Green Thumb to Helping Hand” which helps people in business to use the resources that are at our fingertips.

This annual conference brings working women together to share business contacts in our local area. The donations collected at the luncheon were donated to the Women’s Centre of York Region-helping other women to plant new beginnings and set new roots.

I had the opportunity to be invited to the CSP’s February 2008 class in Toronto to join the graduating class during their field training, to stage a home that is going on the market. Ambrose Price joined this class as part of his adventures for his new upcoming show. He endured the 3 days of training and the practical experience is where he wanted to shine. Our group was given a small and crowded dining room / living room area to stage. Through discussions and moving of furniture from one room to another, we showcased this space with two functions. The room has a more spacious dining area, relaxing sitting area and it now features the lovely windows. This home will be featured on Ambrose’s upcoming show on HGTV on a staging episode in October, 2008. It was a pleasure working with the graduating class and especially Ambrose.
Please tune in to the “The Decorating Adventures of Ambrose Price”, on HGTV.

As a graduate of CSP (Canadian Staging Professionals), I feel that continuing education is a benefit when starting a new business. Just recently, I attended a conference in honour of International Women’s Day, a day of global celebration in recognition of how much women have achieved. I believe that if you dream of owning a successful business or are looking for new ideas to grow that business, then we should be providing ourselves with opportunities to motivate or inspire growth for that business.
During this conference, enterprising women delivered a unique combination of women-to-women practical business advice; insiders tips to market a new business and learning the art of negotiations and public speaking for success. Image consultant Nadia Baboo spoke about image factors; Renate Weiler, author of Get a Grip spoke about just one more stroke – enriching your life and grow your business and the third speaker, Louise Smith spoke about six ways people listen.
I found this conference to be an excellent opportunity to explore issues of mutual concerns and build business relationships.

This past month the Canadian Cancer Society held their Grand Dessert Night at The Roman Palace Banquet Hall. This was the 6th year for this annual event which is held in support of all people living with cancer. A dear friend of mine, Mary purchased the table and asked if I could fill the table with colleagues that would help me build my business. The tables sat 8-10 people. Our table was decorated with a staging theme, half of the table was the before and half of the table was the after. Everyone at our table was from different areas including interior design, home inspection, real estate, human resources and educators and all of the guests interacted and networked with each other during the evening. This event was a great networking event for me and it was not difficult to fill the table for such an event.
This event raised $25,000 again this year.
For upcoming events please visit: www.cancer.ca