a rel=nofollow target=_blank href=http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_hr_IDHKlvc0/R0xRgNGROxI/AAAAAAAAAY4/3eBRRcwgh_w/s1600-h/stagingstuck.jpgimg id=BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5137570888636513042 style=FLOAT:left;MARGIN:0px 10px 10px 0px;CURSOR:hand; alt= src=http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_hr_IDHKlvc0/R0xRgNGROxI/AAAAAAAAAY4/3eBRRcwgh_w/s320/stagingstuck.jpg border=0//aDuring a cold winter’s drive over this past holiday weekend I had a chance to reflect on all that I see going on span style=font-size:85%;(or NOT going on)/span in the home staging industry. As I look at WHO we are and WHERE we are… the more strongI am sure the real estate staging industry is not quite YET ready to handle the BIGGER vision of unity so many in this industry say they want./strong Don’t get me wrong, this is not a BAD thing; this is just an IS thing.br /br /I recently commented in another stager’s blog that I thought home strongstagers could learn from the Realtor community who benefit from working together and learning together as a unified group in the association known as the National Association of Realtors/strong.br /br /strongHaving as an END GOAL within industry to have own NAR like organization/association is an AWESOME goal… which I embrace 100%./strong But, with the “results” and lack of response we are getting to the idea so far, I wonder if maybe we are trying to hard to make this end goal happen. If this IS the case, what can we do? Well, without loosing site of the END GOAL, maybe what is more important is that we define smaller goals and take smaller steps that start moving us to that big associated END GOAL.br /br /Right now there are many thoughts, ideas, concepts and strategies being discussed by a VERY vocal minority. strongBut are the stagers that comprise the industry actions REALLY equal to what the vocal minority are shouting for as the BIG picture?/strong I am not sure sure it is. But, if you think it is, then strongwhy does it feel like we are still stuck?br /br /Why isn’t there this vast tidal force of stagers joining together as a unified association?/strongbr /br /Well, I believe part of the reason strongwe are a bit “stuck” is the fact that our industry is riddled with misunderstanding, distrust, conflicting philosophies, and big egos./strong Plus, it doesn’t help that real estate market is the worst it has been in decades. But even though we are obviously not experiencing ideal conditions, this should NOT stop those of us who are committed to creating something more for ALL in this industry.br /br /So as a loose industry strongwhat can we do to get ourselves tightened up and unstuck?/strong Well, maybe, strongwithout realizing it we are getting ourselves out of this rut by starting with a rock and roll motion… kind of like what one does to get a car unstuck out of a snow bank. /strongI have come to notice an interesting phenomena that happens when someone tries to “rock” this industry forward with an idea or concept. Immediately following a rock forward there tends to be a counter “roll” back by someone else.br /br /Case in point… the group of stagers organized under the banner called a rel=nofollow target=_blank href=http://www.stageitforward.com/Stage It Forward/a (SIF) currently have scheduled a rel=nofollow target=_blank href=http://stageitforwardblogazine.blogspot.com/2007/11/stagers-now-you-can-attend-sif-round.htmlover 25 industry RoundTable discussion meetings planned /afor all over the USA and Canada. Even though SIF has rocked forward there are some who feels it is necessary to roll with their own independent roundtable gatherings. This is the rock amp; roll I am talking about that takes place daily in this industry. strongSo while different interpretations of a similar thing will happen, what is more important is who we are as individuals and how we respond to these differences… respectful professionalism is essential!/strongbr /strongFor those on the outside looking in the rock a with a roll response can seem a little negative./strong But like the motion necessary to get a car unstuck out of a snowbank, I am beginning to see how this forward and back (counter) motion is necessary to create the momentum that will get us unstuck so that we can trust in and fully embrace bigger united goals… like creating an NAR for home staging.br /br /strongSo while I have hoped we would already be traveling along in unity… I’ve come to see that the rock amp; and roll motion is not all that bad./strong What is most important is that the home staging industry is in motion and soon to be more unstuck.br /br /Just my thoughts as I rock and roll…br /Mediv class=blogger-post-footerimg width=’1′ height=’1′ src=’https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/31544353-6145094710611140323?l=realestaging.blogspot.com’//div

Tags: Aa, Act, Amp, Association Of Realtors, Awe, Big Picture, Blog, Blogger, Blogs, Blogspot, Bord, Border, Bp, Br, Canada, Case In Point, Cold Winter, Current, Decades, Dh, Distrust, Div, Dy, Eb, Ec, Egos, Ell, Ff, Fit, Goals, Google, Hey, Holiday Weekend, Home Staging, Hot, Ideal, Img, Independent, Industry Actions, Jpg, Love, Met, Misunderstanding, Mom, Moving, Nar, National Association Of Realtors, Pg, Pgi, Philosophies, Photo, Photo Id, Pi, Pot, Profession, Real Estate, Real Estate Market, Real Estate Staging, Realtor, Realtors, Reason, Rel Nofollow, S1600, S320, Smaller Steps, Sophie, Spa, Span Style, Stager, Stagers, Staging, Sting, Style Font, Sun, Target, Tidal Force, Unified Group, United, Unity, Vision Of Unity, Vocal Minority, Wit

a rel=nofollow target=_blank href=http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_hr_IDHKlvc0/R1P-surBTbI/AAAAAAAAAZY/KgrPyfyCKlc/s1600-R/top+11.jpgimg id=BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5139731644156038578 style=FLOAT:left;MARGIN:0px 10px 10px 0px;CURSOR:hand; alt= src=http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_hr_IDHKlvc0/R1P-surBTbI/AAAAAAAAAZY/RVwcjMrEobI/s320/top+11.jpg border=0//aThe authors over at a rel=nofollow target=_blank href=http://www.whataboutloans.com/real-estate-and-loans-blog/Future of Real Estate and Loans/a recently posted a list of blogs they feel are MUST READS.br /br /They write emthere’s a ton of excellent mortgage and real estate blogs out there – way too many to list, in fact. But for a unique spin on the market as well as perspective that makes sense to anyone interested in real estate anywhere, there are some blogs that really are masters of their niche./embr /br /Home Staging Rants amp; Ravings is definitely in good company. To see the entire list, click here to read a rel=nofollow target=_blank href=http://www.whataboutloans.com/real-estate-and-loans-blog/11-must-read-daily-real-estate-blogs11 Must Read Daily Real Estate Blogs/a.br /br /THANKS GUYS! The recognition is appreciated.div class=blogger-post-footerimg width=’1′ height=’1′ src=’https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/31544353-8558087480185706531?l=realestaging.blogspot.com’//div

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a rel=nofollow target=_blank href=http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_hr_IDHKlvc0/SBkpJ576s3I/AAAAAAAAAng/7NKndKXwCgA/s1600-h/Staging+Bananas.jpgimg id=BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5195228895296271218 style=FLOAT:left;MARGIN:0px 10px 10px 0px;CURSOR:hand; alt= src=http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_hr_IDHKlvc0/SBkpJ576s3I/AAAAAAAAAng/7NKndKXwCgA/s320/Staging+Bananas.jpg border=0//aSo my home selling pets, would you like to pick a house stager but are not sure which in the bunch to hire? Plus does the fact that when you think about it, it seems like there are more and more people becoming Home Stagers almost overnight?br /br /Well, you are right; it can be a tough to know which stager you should work with, especially since staging is still relatively new in most a rel=nofollow target=_blank href=http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_hr_IDHKlvc0/SCSwdJ8Sk4I/AAAAAAAAAoA/v0HKOs27Tuk/s1600-h/COR+WINNER.jpgimg id=BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5198473884823884674 style=FLOAT:right;MARGIN:0px 0px 10px 10px;CURSOR:hand; alt= src=http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_hr_IDHKlvc0/SCSwdJ8Sk4I/AAAAAAAAAoA/v0HKOs27Tuk/s320/COR+WINNER.jpg border=0//aparts of the USA. You are also right if you noticed that there are many new bananas rapidly joining the staging bunch.br /br /To make a wise and informed pick, you need to understand that unfortunately a “professional stager” may just be an average green Jane or Joe who just fell out of a training tree. Many are transformed into “professionals” because they sat through a one, two or three day foundation training workshop. That’s it, as little as one day, and WA LA a new staging banana with a title tacked on.br /br /So be wise, home staging credentials that hype “trained,” “certified” or “accredited” can be a bit deceiving… especially considering that it can take as little as one day to be trained and graduated from foundation training programs. This is not to say that there are well qualified real estate stagers who have been professional trained. But remember, above everything, the ripeness of EXPERIENCE trumps all else… even “credentials.br /br /Unfortunately, the home staging industry is an unregulated wild bunch. Because this so… sellers are at risk, especially in this tough selling market. Actually, picking a green stager could cost you some green. So while staging looks mighty tasty, to those of you who are looking for some hope and help, don’t blindly accept the fact that a stager, with a horde of initials after their name, is experienced and fully yet knows what to do to maximize your homes staged appeal.br /br /So how can you pick out a ripe experienced stager? Well, it is not the difficult, if you keep in mind that home staging is an “image” industry.br /br /Considering it is a stager’s job is to create a good first visual impression of home seller’s property, then a good stager needs to do the same for themselves. A good stager knows the importance of and how to present a good visual first impression of their company and their work.br /br /To start to weed out amateurs from the experienced, first consider looking closely at the stager’s portfolio for examples of their work. Also, make sure that you ask the stager if they ACTUALLY staged the properties they show in their portfolio… believe it or not there are some foundation training programs that give green stagers a set of “starter” portfolio photos. Finally if you have any doubts, you can always ask the stager for testimonials from past clients and/or references.br /br /So that’s it, considering its a jungle out there, this is pretty easy. That is all you need to know and do to be a good home selling monkey and pick the ripe stager.br /br /Staging It Forward…br /Mebr /br /br /span style=font-size:85%;span style=color:#ff0000;POST SCRIPT of THANKS:/span Thank you to Rich at the emThe Official Active Rain Blog/em for seeing the merit in this post and selecting it as a WINNER in the Carnival of Real Estate. /spana rel=nofollow target=_blank href=http://activerain.com/blogsview/496429/-Top-Ten-Ridesspan style=font-size:85%;CLICK HERE/span/aspan style=font-size:85%;: To read The Top 10 Rides in the 89th Carnival of Real Estate./spandiv class=blogger-post-footerimg width=’1′ height=’1′ src=’https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/31544353-3321577880597659218?l=realestaging.blogspot.com’//div

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iframe class=embeddedvideo pluginspage=http://www.macromedia.com/go/getflashplayer src=http://www.realestateshows.com/show/player.swf width=400 height=348 type=application/x-shockwave-flash/iframediv class=blogger-post-footerimg width=’1′ height=’1′ src=’https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/31544353-6306722527204168907?l=realestaging.blogspot.com’//div

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Yesterday I came across the website of a target=”_blank” href=”http://www.russellmackenna.com/”Russell amp; Mackenna/a, a furniture company specializing in painted wood pieces and upholstered furniture. The main word I’d use to describe the a target=”_blank” href=”http://www.russellmackenna.com/”Russell amp; Mackenna/a style…span style=”font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;”FRESH/span. The colors are mouth-watering, the style is simple, and the details are truly unique. If your home is cottage or beach style, then this is the store for you! For the rest of us with different styles, I’ll warn you…a target=”_blank” href=”http://www.russellmackenna.com/”Russell amp; Mackenna/a’s furniture just might make you want to completely re-decorate your home to accommodate some of these pieces. Take a look for yourself:br /br /br /centerimg src=”http://kristilinauerinteriors.com/a2d-pics/russell-and-mackenna.png” /br /div style=”text-align: left;”br /br /Each piece of wood furniture from a target=”_blank” href=”http://www.russellmackenna.com/”Russell amp; Mackenna/a is customizable. You can choose from 33 different paint colors, which can be used as the main color and an accent color on most pieces. Also, you can choose from different options such as “frills”, finials, knobs, etc.br /br /And that’s only the half of it. Did I mention they also have incredible upholstered furniture?br /br /br /centerimg src=”http://kristilinauerinteriors.com/a2d-pics/russell-and-mackenna-2.png” //centerbr /br /The upholstered furniture is available in 53 different fabrics, and you can customize such items as contrast welt, leg finish, and down comfort package.br /br /And one more thing…if you’re a small business owner, and you’re needing a bit of encouragement, I would encourage you to head on over and read all about this a target=”_blank” href=”http://www.russellmackenna.com/our-story/company-background/”company’s background/a. This company, like so many successful American businesses, was started in a garage, with only a few tools, and lots of hard work and determination. Now, the company ships from a 6000-square-foot production facility in Jessup, Maryland, and their furniture is shipped all over the country. Such an inspiration for all of us!!br /br /Happy decorating,br /centerimg src=”http://kristilinauerinteriors.com/signature.png” //center/div/centerdiv class=”blogger-post-footer”img width=’1′ height=’1′ src=’https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/6493356152866319468-3200040792354458510?l=blog.addicted2decorating.com’//divimg src=”http://feeds2.feedburner.com/~r/addicted2decor/~4/V3RY_2BcX9I” height=”1″ width=”1″/

Tags: Accent, Accent Color, Amp, Ara, Beach Style, Blog, Blogger, Br, Bs, Colors, Company Background, Cor, Custo, Decorate, Decorating, Different Styles, Div, Div Style, Eb, Ec, Eco, Ell, Ew, Fabric, Fabrics, Fabulous Furniture, Feedburner, Ff, Font Style, Fri, Furniture, Furniture Company, Google, Hey, Img, Img Src, Ins, Inspiration, Knobs, Kristi, Lot, Mackenna, Nature, Paint, Paint Color, Paint Colors, Pi, Png, Russ, Ships, Signature, Small Business Owner, Spa, Span Style, Style Font, Style Text, Target, Upholstered Furniture, Wit, Wood Furniture, Wood Pieces

The other day, I came across the website of California interior designer Claire Campbell of a target=”_blank” href=”http://www.minthomedecor.com”Mint Home Decor/a. I love the fresh color and clean, uncluttered (yet homey) spaces she creates. Here’s a sample of her work:br /br /br /a href=”http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_WSgV9lu-d5g/SjF0gv8L6fI/AAAAAAAADUo/VdmnhE9yEFc/s1600-h/mint+home+decor+1.jpg”img style=”display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 379px; height: 400px;” src=”http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_WSgV9lu-d5g/SjF0gv8L6fI/AAAAAAAADUo/VdmnhE9yEFc/s400/mint+home+decor+1.jpg” border=”0″ alt=”"id=”BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5346182338639030770″ //abr /a href=”http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_WSgV9lu-d5g/SjF0gfAcs6I/AAAAAAAADUg/fKKbOSi01ss/s1600-h/mint-home-decor-2.jpg”img style=”display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 379px; height: 400px;” src=”http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_WSgV9lu-d5g/SjF0gfAcs6I/AAAAAAAADUg/fKKbOSi01ss/s400/mint-home-decor-2.jpg” border=”0″ alt=”"id=”BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5346182334093505442″ //abr /a href=”http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_WSgV9lu-d5g/SjF0gXUdgbI/AAAAAAAADUY/WTe_tH_1bYQ/s1600-h/mint-home-decor-3.jpg”img style=”display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 379px; height: 400px;” src=”http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_WSgV9lu-d5g/SjF0gXUdgbI/AAAAAAAADUY/WTe_tH_1bYQ/s400/mint-home-decor-3.jpg” border=”0″ alt=”"id=”BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5346182332029960626″ //abr /a href=”http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_WSgV9lu-d5g/SjF0gByxsnI/AAAAAAAADUQ/0cvUDuJiNQk/s1600-h/mint-home-decor-4.jpg”img style=”display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 379px; height: 400px;” src=”http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_WSgV9lu-d5g/SjF0gByxsnI/AAAAAAAADUQ/0cvUDuJiNQk/s400/mint-home-decor-4.jpg” border=”0″ alt=”"id=”BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5346182326251532914″ //abr /a href=”http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_WSgV9lu-d5g/SjF0f4_iDxI/AAAAAAAADUI/NeXsGqKWYIE/s1600-h/mint-home-decor-5.jpg”img style=”display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 379px; height: 400px;” src=”http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_WSgV9lu-d5g/SjF0f4_iDxI/AAAAAAAADUI/NeXsGqKWYIE/s400/mint-home-decor-5.jpg” border=”0″ alt=”"id=”BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5346182323889114898″ //abr /br /Beautiful, right? I especially love that dining room, with the sparkly chandelier, the contrast welt on the chairs, and the rug…THAT RUG!! I love it!br /br /BTW–Mint Home Decor is the most recent addition to our a href=”http://www.addicted2decorating.com/interior-designer-directory.html”Interior Designer Directory/a, and the photos of Claire’s work will soon appear in our a href=”http://www.addicted2decorating.com/photo-gallery-of-beautiful-rooms.html”Photo Galleries/a. (I promise!! After this week, I hope to emstrongreally/strong/em be able to set aside some huge chunks of time to work on those galleries. I have HUNDREDS of photos ready to be added!! 24 hours in a day just simply isn’t enough!!)br /br /Anyway…if you are an interior designer (or you know one) who would like to be added to our directory, please feel free to contact me!br /br /centerimg src=”http://kristilinauerinteriors.com/signature.png”/centerdiv class=”blogger-post-footer”img width=’1′ height=’1′ src=’https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/6493356152866319468-2120181512409128863?l=blog.addicted2decorating.com’//divimg src=”http://feeds2.feedburner.com/~r/addicted2decor/~4/pFyRV78HSs4″ height=”1″ width=”1″/

Tags: 1 Jpg, 2 Jpg, 3 Jpg, 3340, 911, Aa, Act, Amp, Beautiful, Blog, Blogger, Blogs, Blogspot, Bord, Border, Bp, Br, Bs, California Interior, Chairs, Claire Campbell, Clutter, Contact, Cor, Cursor Pointer, Decorating, Designer Spotlight, Dining Room, Directory, Div, Dy, Eb, Ec, Eco, Ell, Feedburner, Google, Home Decor, Hot, Img, Img Src, Interior Design, Interior Designer, Jpg, Kristi, Love, Mint, Nature, Ncl, Pear, Pg, Photo, Photo Galleries, Photo Id, Photos, Png, Pot, Rv, S1600, S400, Signature, Spa, Spotlight, Target, Uto, Wit

Paula Deen, the southern belle queen of the kitchen, is branching out! Her new furniture line, by Universal Furniture, is exactly what you would expect from this classy southern lady (with the thickest southern accent I’ve ever heard–and I’m Texan!!). Simply beautiful!

I wish I could tell you where to go to find these lovely pieces, but I couldn’t find an online retailer…at least not yet. However, I’m sure you could ask your local retailer of Universal Furniture to see a catalog, if you’re interested. You can click here to find your local Universal Furniture retailer.

First spotted here.

Tags: Accent, Act, Beautiful, Blog, Blogger, Br, Chi, Cor, Decorating, Div, Dy, Ec, Eco, Ell, Ew, Feedburner, Fir, Furniture, Furniture Line, Furniture Retailer, Google, Img, Img Src, Kristi, Love, Nature, New Furniture, Online Retailer, Paula Deen, Pi, Png, Pot, Queen, Signature, Sk, Southern Accent, Southern Belle, Southern Lady, Target, Universal Furniture, Wit

Happy Monday, all! It’s time to get another week underway, and after taking the day completely off yesterday, I’m ready!

So this week, I’m using my old desktop computer while my Matt uses my laptop for some projects he’s working on. I’ve had a good time looking through all of my old “inspiration files”, and being inspired all over again by the gorgeous interiors. Here’s one of my favorites. (I may have featured this before, but it’s so spectacular, it deserves revisiting).

To me, a black, white, and red color scheme is one of the most beautiful palettes there is, and I love the boldness of the black walls. Gorgeous! And isn’t it nice to see a room with black walls that doesn’t look dreary and depressing? Nothing depressing about this room!

Unfortunately, I have no idea who designed this room. If you recognize it, please let me know so that I can give credit to the talented creator of this beautiful room.

So is there a color palette that always appeals to you–one that has stood the test of time for you? Please share with the class!

Tags: 411, Aa, Beautiful, Black Monday, Black White, Blog, Blogger, Blogs, Blogspot, Boldness, Bord, Border, Bp, Br, Color Palette, Color Scheme, Cor, Decorating, Desk, Desktop Computer, Div, Dy, Ec, Eco, Favorites, Feedburner, Ff, Good Time, Google, Gorgeous, Gorgeous Interiors, Hot, Image, Img, Img Src, Ins, Inspiration, Jpg, Kristi, Laptop, Love, Nature, Onblur, One Of My Favorites, Palettes, Pg, Photo, Pi, Png, Pot, Rv, S1600, S400, Signature, Sk, Spa, Span Style, Talented Creator, Test Of Time, Uto, Wit

I usually don’t post on the weekends, but I came across this amazing video that I wanted to share with you. I’m so amazed by people who can do this type of 3-D sidewalk art. I wish I had the talent to do something like that!

Click here to view the video. Enjoy!

Tags: Aa, Amazing Video, Blog, Blogger, Blogs, Blogspot, Bonus, Bord, Border, Bp, Br, Cor, Decorating, Div, Dk, Ec, Eco, Ew, Feedburner, Google, Hot, Img, Img Src, Jpg, Kristi, Maze, Met, Nature, People, Pg, Photo, Php, Pi, Png, Pot, S1600, S400, Sat, Sidewalk Art, Signature, Target, Uto, Wit