Home Accessorizing Tip #18
(20 Tips For Accessorizing Your Home series)

Choose Lamps That Not Only Coordinate Well With Your Decor But That Also Provide Adequate Lighting For The Rooms Needs

A well thought out lighting scheme has the power to transform an entire room. On the flip side a poorly executed lighting scheme will detract from the overall look and enjoyment of a room. So choose your lamps with care.

Before your begin shopping you will need to determine how much lighting your room requires. To answer this question you will need to multiply your rooms length by it’s width (i.e. 8′x10′). Multiply that number by 1.5 to determine the number of watts required to provide ambient lighting for the room. For task lighting the multiplier is 2.5. (Note: It is estimated that the average room requires a lighting source every 10 feet.)

Once you have determined how much lighting you require there are many other factors to consider before selecting the lamps for your decor, such as:

* What will be the purpose of the lamp? Will it be used primarily for a decoration, for task lighting or for over all ambient lighting. You will also need to consider the purpose of the space.

* What is the style of the lamp? Will its design coordinate with your decor?

* What is the mood of the room you are trying to establish? Your lighting choices need to enhance and strengthen that mood.

* What is the theme of the room? Again your lighting choices need to support your rooms theme.

* What is the height of the table on which the lamp will sit? A shorter table may require a taller lamp. You do not want to be looking up into a lamps hardware. To guard against this ensure that the bottom of the lamp shade does not rise above eye level when seated. Ideally the bottom of the shade should be at ear level for a reading.

* Consider the wattage of bulb the lamp will take. For reading you will require a minimum of 60 watts most people require 100 watts.

* Consider the lamps shade. White color shades let the most light through and are ideal for ambient lighting. Darker coloured shades tend to direct light downwards. Fabric shades cast a warm glow but be sure to consider the fabrics texture. Silk shades look best in intimate bedroom settings. While linens and other more textured fabrics tend to have a more rustic feel making them better suited to family rooms and informal settings. In general, drum shades tend to look more modern, while conical ones look more traditional.

Another tip to remember when selecting a lamps shade is that the width of the shade should never extend past a table’s perimeter.

Selecting the right lighting for your room will not only enhance your decor but will bring you many years of enjoyment to come.

Note:The pictured lamp is the Conrad Table Lamp from Bellacor
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Kimberley Pacholko is a CSP™ Certified Staging Consultant. If you would like more information on Hiring Kimberley to stage your home to sell click on this link http://www.csptraining.com/pages/?cspid=1494 or call (905)-725-7926.

Home Accessorizing Tip # 17
(20 Tips For Accessorizing Your Home series)

Do Not Over Accessorize

Almost nothing will kill the appealing qualities of a room faster than clutter. Carefully scrutinize each and every accessory before you include it in your decorating scheme.

Ask yourself these questions before including it in your decorating scheme:

* Is the accessory beautiful in and of its self?

* Will the accessory serve a purpose?

* Will the accessory be in scale with the room the furniture and the other accessories in the room?

* Will the accessory strengthen the focal point in the room?

* Will the items colour serve to balance out the colour scheme in the room?

If your answer is no to any of these questions consider leaving the piece out of the decorating scheme.

One of the biggest mistakes I see many home owners make when accessorizing their home is to include to much stuff. They feel compelled to find a place for everything that they currently own as well as all the new pieces they wish to add. Consider moving the unneeded accessories to another room or donate them, give them away or sell them. You will enjoy what you have so much more in a clutter free environment. Live by the motto when something new comes into your home something old must go out. In that way you will better be able to keep clutter in check and enjoy your decor to the max.
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Kimberley Pacholko is a CSP™ Certified Staging Consultant. If you would like more information on Hiring Kimberley to stage your home to sell click on this link http://www.csptraining.com/pages/?cspid=1494 or call (905)-725-7926.

Home Accessorizing tip #16

Think Outside the box. Use An Existing Accessory In a New and Existing Way.

You do not have to spend a fortune to re-accessorize your home. By getting creative and using some of what you currently own in new and existing ways you will not only be saving yourself some cold hard cash you will also be doing your part to save the environment by reducing the strain on landfills.

Following are a few simple solutions and creative ideas for reinventing your accessories:

* Paint old or unattractive picture frames to coordinate with your new decor. All sorts of things are frameable: photos, calendar art, children’s art work, pressed flowers, fabric, placemats, maps etc.

* Dig a beautiful serving tray out of your cupboard and arrange some decorative soaps, shells, sea sponges and/or face cloths on it then place it on your bathroom counter. Likewise you could use a small framed mirror or fill an attractive basket with the same (baskets are easy to spray painted to match your decor).

* Hang the quilt Grandma made on the wall as a piece of art.

* It may be possible to paint your lamp bases for a simple up-date. Replacement shades are also widely available in a range of sizes and colours.

* Paint a backless wooden barstool to match your decor then use it as an end table.

* Convert an old coffee table into a hall bench by refinishing or painting it then add a cushion and reupholster.

* Search out your garage, cupboards and attic for items that be used to enhance your decor. This is especially useful in theme decorating. Items to consider are paddles, sports equipment, wooden board games, a garden bench, old trunk, wooden crates, fishing rods etc.

* Fill an old window frame with a print and hang it as art or to look like a window with a view.

* Use plates as art.

* Use an old water bed frame for wall shelves or use the wood to build a shoe rack for the front closet.

* Use an unused coat tree on the deck to display hanging plants (be sure to securely fasten it to deck to prevent the wind from blowing it over).

* Try using a lace table cloth (stain free) as a window valance.

* Place a pair of unique shoes into a shadow box and display it as art in a teenager’s bedroom. You could even place several of them together as a collection. Other items that could be displayed in this manor are purses, sea shells, ornaments, costumes, masks etc.

* All types of items can be used to display candles, small framed mirrors, small glass or metal trays, ceramic bowls, wine glasses, tea pots, glass vases and more. Decorative sand, polished stones or sea shells may be needed to fill out the display.

Note: In the above photo an old crystal tray from a decantor set is used now to display candles.
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Kimberley Pacholko is a CSP™ Certified Staging Consultant. If you would like more information on Hiring Kimberley to stage your home to sell click on this link http://www.csptraining.com/pages/?cspid=1494 or call (905)-725-7926.

Home Accessorizing Tip #15

Group Collections Rather Than Scattering Individual Items Around The Room

People have a natural tendency to collect things. They collect everything from teddy bears to animal skulls. Some people even have a collection that they are completely unaware of. Grouping a collection rather than scattering the individual items around the room or home is an effective way to help avoid a cluttered look while at the same time maximizing your collections decorative value.

Other advantages of grouping your collections are:

* Adds prominence to the items in the collection. An elephant on a coffee table is just that, an elephant on a coffee table. Unless it is a really unique elephant it may go virtually unnoticed. Take that same elephant and group it with other elephant ornaments you have scattered around the home and voila that same elephant suddenly looks more important.

* Easier to clean and care for.

* Easier to inventory.

* Your display has the power to become a conversation piece and main focal area in a room when grouped. There truly is strength in numbers.

There are many ways in which to display your collections. The method you choose will depend upon what you are displaying and the size of your collection.

Check out these links for pictures and ideas on displaying collections.

* Radio collection

* Tea cup collection

* Glass bottle display

* Pinocchio collection

* Plate collections

Note: Photo of sea shell collection from Completely Coastal an inspirational and shopping blog for people who love the sea.
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Kimberley Pacholko is a CSP™ Certified Staging Consultant. If you would like more information on Hiring Kimberley to stage your home to sell click on this link http://www.csptraining.com/pages/?cspid=1494 or call (905)-725-7926.

Home Accessorizing Tip #14

Place Mirrors So That They Reflect Something Beautiful

Mirrors come in so many wonderful shapes and sizes. Many are beautifully framed and make a real decorating statement in a room. Besides these wonder characteristics the true value and charm of a mirror lies in its ability to reflect. By Placing your mirrors so they reflect something beautiful you will be enhancing the beauty of your mirror. Placing a mirror so that it reflects an unattractive view only doubles the impact and presence of that negative space. Following are a few does and don’ts for using mirrors in your decorating scheme.

* Do not set mirrors on your fireplace mantle. These mirrors (because they need to be pulled away at the bottom a bit to prevent the mirror from tipping forward) tend to reflect the ceiling. Hang these mirrors instead to take advantage of an attractive view and to visually widen the space.

* Position mirrors so that they do not reflect an open light source. The reflection can be blinding.

* Allow for 3′-5′ of space in front of the mirror to allow viewers to be able to step back and take a look at their reflection.

* Make sure the mirror’s frame match your decor.

* Double the impact of your decorative accessories and collectables by placing mirrors behind them.

* Hand wall mirrors so that that top of the mirror is at least 6′ from the floor. This will enable people to view their own reflections.

* Brighten up a dark corner with a mirror that reflects light from elsewhere in a room.

* Do not place a mirror at the end of a long hallway it will only serve to make to hall look even longer.

* Place a mirror on one side of a hallway to visually widen the space.

* For safety purposes remember that mirrors are often heavier than they look. Make sure they are securely fastened to the wall surface and that your mounting hardware, hooks or nails will be able to bear the weight. Anchor your mirrors to sturdy studs when possible or use molly bolts. Use two anchors rather than one for heavier mirrors.

* Do not place mirrors in a dining area in such a way that the diners will not be able to help looking at them-selves while eating. This will cause the people seated around the table to feel self-conscious and uncomfortable.

* For Feng Shui adherents there are many rules governing the use of mirrors, such as not placing a mirror facing a bed or facing the North/East. Consult a Feng Shui practitioner or read some of the many books available on the subject for more guidelines.
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Kimberley Pacholko is a CSP™ Certified Staging Consultant. If you would like more information on Hiring Kimberley to stage your home to sell click on this link http://www.csptraining.com/pages/?cspid=1494 or call (905)-725-7926.

Home Accessorizing Tip #13

Hang Art Work At Eye Level

One of the more common errors I see many home dwellers do is to hang their art work to high on the wall. When this happens the art work appears to be floating in space and gives the impression of being disjointed from the rest of the grouping.

As a guide line art work should be hung at eye level (where the center of the picture is approximately at the same height as your eyes). This will be approx. 60″-66″ when the picture is viewed from a standing position. When the art work will be mainly viewed from a seated position, such as in dining rooms or seating areas the art work usually needs to be lowered accordingly. Following are a few other guidelines for hanging your art work and wall displays.

* Hang art work no more than 6″-8″ above the back of the sofa.

* A grouping of pictures should be thought of as one unit. Therefore the center of your grouping should be at eye level.

* When hanging a grouping first arrange your grouping on the floor or a large table. Measure the placement of each item or better yet arrange the grouping on paper and trace each piece onto it. Then use these measurements or template to determine where to place your nails or picture hooks. This technique can spare you allot of frustration and wall damage.

* Relate art work to wall size. A large wall will require a large piece of art or a large grouping while a smaller wall will look best with a smaller display. To bring an overly small picture into scale with its wall and surroundings try displaying a few smaller prints or accessories with it.

* When purchasing and hanging art work pay attention to the line. Will the piece or grouping create a strong horizontal or vertical line in the room? Horizontal lines tend to be calming and can add the illusion of width to a room, while strong vertical lines appear to add height to a wall.

* When hanging art work above a piece of furniture, whether it be a sofa, hall table or a bed it should be approximately 2/3 the size of the furniture piece.
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Kimberley Pacholko is a CSP™ Certified Staging Consultant. If you would like more information on Hiring Kimberley to stage your home to sell click on this link http://www.csptraining.com/pages/?cspid=1494 or call (905)-725-7926.

Home Accessorizing Tip #12

Repeat a Colour at Least Three Times in a Room

There is an old gardener’s saying “sets of 3 leave them be, 4 or more pick some more”. But when it comes to decorating your home 3 is a magical number. Whether you are selecting the number of objects to display on a table, balancing a colour scheme or working out the proportions in a room design the number 3 is more often than not the targeted number.

By using a colour at least 3 times in a room you will accomplish the following:

* You will make the colour choose look intentional rather than accidental.

* It will help you to balance out your room’s colour scheme.

* It will help to create harmony and rhythm in the room.

Note: In the picture above, the gold coloured picture frame is balanced off with a brass lamp and gold coloured frames on the pictures above the loveseat. The same effect could have been achieved by using a canvas print behind the love seat and placing a gold/brass coloured candle stick on a coffee table in front of the love seat.
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Kimberley Pacholko is a CSP™ Certified Staging Consultant. If you would like more information on Hiring Kimberley to stage your home to sell click on this link http://www.csptraining.com/pages/?cspid=1494 or call (905)-725-7926.

Home Accessorizing Tip #11

Match Paint Chips to Your Furnishings and Accessories Then Take These Colour Chips With You When Shopping for New Accessories

Matching colour chips to any existing furnishings and accessories you plan to use in the new decor will save you a great deal of hassle and inconvenience. It may take a little extra time to select these colour chips but the advantages are well worth the effort.

A few of those advantages are:

* Accessories are much easier to cart around.

* You will reduce the risk of damaging your furnishings and accessories.

* You may save yourself the embarrassment of having a nervous store employee check you bag for shoplifting.

* Another added advantage is that you will become more aware and attuned to the colours in your room. This awareness will help to carefully select new accessories for your room that will enhance and strengthen your decor.
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Kimberley Pacholko is a CSP™ Certified Staging Consultant. If you would like more information on Hiring Kimberley to stage your home to sell click on this link http://www.csptraining.com/pages/?cspid=1494 or call (905)-725-7926.

Home Accessorizing Tip #10

Use Symmetrical Arrangements to Add a formal Feeling to a Room and Asymmetrical to Create a More Informal Feel.

Whether you are arranging the furniture in a room, creating an accessory display or painting a canvas there must be balance. An equal distribution (either real or apparent) of colour, texture, weight & pattern.

Symmetrical balance (also called formal or bisymmetric balance) means that objects or areas are arranged identically on both sides of a real or imaginary center line. Being alike they attract equally. This type of arrangement requires pairs of things. The effect is formal, dignified and restful but may become monotonous if used to often in the same room. An example of this type of balance would be a fireplace mantle with a mirror placed exactly in the center and a pillar candle placed on each side of the mantle, equal distances from the mirror.

Asymmetrical balance (also called informal balance) on the other hand is much more subtle and imaginative. It allows for far greater variety and tends to be more liveable. In an asymmetrically balanced arrangement objects of different size, shape and colour are grouped so that there appears to be an equalized distribution of weight. Using the fire place mantle again as an example an asymmetrically balanced arrangement would be to place a large framed print in the center of the mantle adding a large vase to its left side and 2 candle sticks to its right.

Note: If one object is heavier, balance may be achieved by increasing the distance from the lighter object to the center point.
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Kimberley Pacholko is a CSP™ Certified Staging Consultant. If you would like more information on Hiring Kimberley to stage your home to sell click on this link http://www.csptraining.com/pages/?cspid=1494 or call (905)-725-7926.

For information on how you can become a Certified Home Stager check out this link: www.stagingtraining.com

For staging statistics click on: Staging Trend Report – www.stagingpress.com

Home Accessorizing Tip #9

Vary The Size And Shape Of Accessories In A Grouping

When choosing accessories for your home carefully study each item, how tall is it? What is its overall size and shape? As mentioned in tip #8 varying the height of objects in a grouping is more visually appealing than using accessories that are all the same height. The same goes for an accessories size and shape. Choosing a variety of accessories that vary in size and shape will usually be more appealing than choosing accessories that are all the same.

Following are a few examples and ideas for varying the size and shape in your displays:

* When displaying a table top arrangement of rectangular shaped photo’s in frames try adding round pillar candles or a round or oval basket (possibly even placing a couple of small frames in the basket). Even adding a plant will help to break up the monotony and add interest to the display,(it’s leaves provide a contrasting shape as does the plants over all shape).

*The same goes when displaying a grouping of pictures on the wall. If you want the overall display to appear as one to the mind’s eye then stick with the same or similarly shaped frames. But if you want the grouping to appear not only as a unified grouping but you also want the viewer to notice each and every piece, then you will need to add contrasting shapes and sizes to accomplish this. i.e. Combining a round mirror, a square print, a long rectangular print and several rectangular pictures in perhaps varying sizes will be more visually exciting than a display consisting of all the same sized rectangular shaped pictures.

* To add visual interest to a candle display try varying not only the height of the candles but also the size. Combining a 4″ wide by 7″ tall pillar candle with a 3″ wide by 5″ tall and a third that is 2″ wide and 3″ tall will be more visually stimulating than three 3″X5″ candles. There is also no reason the candles all have to be the same shape (in this case round pillars). Try substituting a ball or square shaped candle instead.

* Creating a floral arrangement provides another great example of this tip. A floral bouquet or arrangement that consists of a single flower choice (all the same colour, size and shape) will be visually less exciting than using a combination of flowers that are of different sizes, shapes and colours.

There is a time and a place for uniformity and subtle less stimulating displays. However, rooms that lack visual interest can be experienced a boring and monotonous. The opposite is also true. A room that is overly stimulating can create an unsettled feeling. The key is to find a balance well suited to the theme and function of the room.
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Kimberley Pacholko is a CSP™ Certified Staging Consultant. If you would like more information on Hiring Kimberley to stage your home to sell click on this link http://www.csptraining.com/pages/?cspid=1494 or call (905)-725-7926.

For information on how you can become a Certified Home Stager check out this link: www.stagingtraining.com

For staging statistics click on: Staging Trend Report – www.stagingpress.com