About Hardin County, KY

Wow! I received this letter today and it has touched my heart. I don't normally share things like this, but I am so happy for this client. I received a phone call about a month ago from another family member of this client and she explained that she needed a redesign consultation as soon as I could provide it. I scheduled to go out to the next day.

This client has a beautiful home and a gorgeous master bedroom, but it felt cold and cavernous to her and really was affecting her quality of life. It doesn't help that it was winter and I think that may have had something to do with it. As I was listening to her discuss the issues she had with her bedroom, I realized that it really wouldn't be too hard to fix, even if that meant bending some "staging rules".

The outcome was just what she needed. Her bed now faces the windows instead of the bathroom and it has made a world of difference for her. Her desk was tucked away in a little corner and all she was looking at was a bulletin board - nothing inspiring whatsoever. I normally would not have put a desk in front of a window, but thought that if she had something nice to look at, she might be able to feel less confined in the space.

After I left she purchased new bedding and a few new accents for the room. I couldn't be happier for her. It is a great testimony to how much our living environment affects our state of mind. A shift in a few pieces of furniture and this client has a whole new lease on life. What a blessing to be able to assist her reclaim her space and her peace of mind. It certainly has been a proud day for Staged SO Right.

Here is her letter:

Hello Sheila,

I'm sorry it's taken so long for me to send this to you, but I've been working all this time on incorporating your ideas into my room and am just now coming in the homestretch.

First of all, let me say a big "thank you" for your help - I'm so much happier with my bedroom now! As you may remember, we purchased this house back in September, and I quickly discovered the huge master bedroom that so impressed me initially, quickly became a nightmare when I started decorating; I simply couldn't do anything with it because it was too big! I was already under a great deal of stress due to our recent relocation, plus a serious illness in our family, and I had counted on turning this room into my own little "sanctuary". To not be able to do so was really getting me down, and I was beginning to thoroughly dislike our new house because of that one room (to the point of tears and wishing we had not bought it!). The only time I spent in it was to sleep, but was totally avoiding it otherwise.

But you came in and quickly determined that my furniture simply needed to be rearranged in a more optimal way, and then you went to work, and a nightmare became a beautiful, useful room!! You also gave me really great ideas for updating my decorating, window treatments, and bedding -- plus how to do it all on a shoestring budget. Once I followed your advice, everything fell into place, and now I really love my room. It has become the sanctuary I so wanted. It feels warm and cozy, and I really enjoy spending time here. I couldn't have done it without you!!

I've included a couple of pictures for you; I wish I had a broad lens camera because these pics don't show the room nearly as pretty as it is. Unfortunately, I didn't have any pictures of "before", so I hope you remember how it was compared to how it is now. I simplified the bedding with a chocolate brown comforter and some deep red throw pillows. I totally changed the window treatments by using some ivory sheers I already had and simply added a new chocolate scarf, plus replacing what had been a really hideous door panel with a nice roman shade (again, your suggestion). I also re-covered the desk chair cushion which looks much better.

My last project was to re-cover the sage green bench at the foot of the bed; green just no longer fit in the décor at all; so I bought cream colored upholstery fabric and got out my staple gun - it now looks fantastic! I still have two projects to do - repaint the tray ceiling trim as you suggested, and also to re-cover the chair in either chocolate or deep red (haven't decided just yet, but I know it definitely needs a change. All in all, I have spent less than $300, but feel I have made a priceless investment.

So again, thank you so much. You have such expertise, and you work so effortlessly it is amazing, and end up with such a wonderfully finished product. You can be more than certain that if I ever get stuck again, I will definitely be calling you for help!!

Sincerely,

Vickie Reed

View from the bed

View of the bed

View from the door

Another view

Wish I had thought to take pictures before we started working - I don't know why I didn't. All I did was help her move furniture so aside from talking about the possibilities of what she could, I didn't put any of this together for her. I think she did a great job and it feels the way she needs it to feel. I love that she feels that way and it was no nice of her to share that with me.

Price: $92,500 FIZBER.com ID 14041260 Single Family with 3 bed, 1.0 bath, in 117 Hickory Hill Drive Elizabethtown, KY, 42701 http://www.fizber.com/14041260/		117 Hickory Hill Drive - For Sale By Owner Property Details: Type: Single Family Address: 117 Hickory Hill Drive, Elizabethtown, KY, 42701 Sq footage: 1200.0 Floors: n/a Bathrooms: 1.0 Bedrooms: 3 Year built: 1975
View full property details and seller's contacts. View more Kentucky homes for sale. Homes for Sale by Owner.
Description: This home has hardwood floors, new paint, and new kitchen cabinets and ceramic floor. All kitchen appliances stay with the house including the stove, refrigerator, dishwasher and built-in microwave. The bathroom is large with a laundryroom. The master bedroom has two closets, including a walk-in. There is lots of storage space including a new vinyl storage shed. The back yard is very private with a deck, perfect for cooking out. Call Sandy for a showing at 270-763-1227.

Join Sheila O'Mara, of Staged SO Right, and Ginny Whitt, of Whitt's End Home and Garden, for a

Staging Demonstration:

"Spice Up Your Sofa"

October 26th at 6:30 pm

Whitt's End Home and Garden,

Cool Springs Center, Ring Road

Elizabethtown

Are you trying to update your decor for holiday entertaining? Check out this FREE class and discover some fabulous, low cost ways to achieve several "looks" with what you already own. One sofa = several looks with just the addition and subtraction of a few decorative items.

Enjoy wonderful refreshments!

(Those drinks and snack items can also be purchased at Whitt's End - get more great ideas for your holiday entertaining.)

Door prizes will be given and fabulous fall discounts on staging services booked that evening!

Don't miss the fun! Make sure to bring a friend!

Call Ginny at 270-735-1445 or Sheila at 270-300-6045 with any questions or directions!

Can't wait to see you there!

The Holidays are coming! The Holidays are coming! Are you in panic mode? Last year about this time, you may have discussed making changes to your décor for the holidays, but decided to wait until after they were over. You weren't doing any heavy entertaining so it could wait.

This year is a whole new ball game. You are hosting Thanksgiving this year and you still haven't made those updates you talked about last year. Don't fret, there is still time to update without breaking the bank.

First of all don't start any major renovations until after the New Year. Big renovations can often take unexpected twists and turns and in the end cost more then you budget for. With that in mind, start out with a few smaller, achievable goals.

As you have heard many times in this column, paint is the cheapest way to get major impact for minor money. Think your furniture looks worn out? Change the backdrop and the furniture will look different too. You don't even have to paint the entire room - maybe just paint an accent wall and BAM! The room instantly changes. Are your tables or painted furnishings looking worn? Update and unify them with a coat of paint.

You may want to purchase new furniture. If you do, purchase as neutral as your taste will allow with upholstered furnishings. This will enable you to achieve many different looks with wall color, flooring, window treatments, art and accessories. I am redecorating my living room and I am so grateful that the chocolate brown leather coordinates with blue and gold and green ... get the picture? I purchased a great base and can change out the look of that room for very little money.

If new furnishings are in your future, keep them in scale with the size of the room. Furnishings always look smaller in the showroom then they will in your house. If you feel you must have that 90 inch sofa that is 45 inches deep, try not to buy the matching chair or loveseat. Find some smaller occasional chairs to complete the grouping.

If you aren't purchasing new furniture, slipcovers can be your friend. I am amazed at the different styles there are currently. You can also make them yourself or have them made by one of the many talented seamstresses in town. The investment in slipcovers is significantly less than purchasing new furniture and you can change them out seasonally!

Speaking of seasonal décor, changing out accessories will give a room a whole new mood and look. Add fall leaves to picture frames or scented pinecones to the vase that was filled with your beach treasures from the summer. Pull out your warmer bedding, window treatments, area rugs and pillows and you won't recognize your house.

Once those changes are made, pull all of the accessories that you haven't changed out and put them in one room. See what you can pull together and put it in a new place. You will be amazed at the treasurers you discover right in your own home. If you have a bunch of mismatched items, unify them with paint! Repurposing what you already have will work wonders when you want to achieve an updated look for little expense.

If this advice seems a little overwhelming, stop by Whitt's End Home and Garden on Monday, October 26 at 6:30pm. I will be offering a FREE class, called Spice Up your Sofa. See how I take one sofa and by changing out area rugs, pillows, and accessories, change the whole look.

I will also be offering another FREE class at Whitt's End on November 17^th, at 10:30am, called Stage Your Table. Discover some fabulous low cost ways to decorate your holiday table!

I am looking forward to showing you some great Seasonal Staging!

As seen in The News Enterprise, October 23, authored by Sheila O'Mara of Staged SO Right

Fall officially arrived last Tuesday. There are several signs that the season is here, but having a shorter day was very noticeable when I went for an evening walk last week.

All summer if I struck out about 8 pm, the sky was still blazing with the sun. The other night, it was dark and afforded me a glimpse at the neighborhood during twilight hours. A whole new world opened up. I now realize why "twilight" pictures are so effective when trying to sell a house. Lights blazing from the inside and highlighted landscaping made an awesome statement.

Aside from the importance of twilight pictures for home selling, there were a few other staging items I noticed while walking in the dark.

First item was the importance of outdoor lighting in your landscaping. The homes that had solar or electric lights strategically placed throughout their landscaping were far more appealing than those that did not. Now is a great time to add those to your current landscaping by taking advantage of after season clearance sales. Adding curb appeal is rarely a negative thing.

Secondly I noticed much more about a home's interior during twilight. Having a house lit from the inside allowed for a real glimpse into how people are living everyday. I felt almost like a peeping tom, but could hardly help it when there were no window coverings for privacy on windows. Many homeowners have fantastic windows that allow for plenty of light and fabulous views and do not want to cover them with blinds or sheers. I am all for that because as a permanent architectural feature, I want the windows to be showcased ... BUT please consider that the spectacular view that you are enjoying out, someone may also enjoy looking in. That does not mean windows need to be closed up tight like Fort Knox each evening, but be aware of what people are able to see while you are at home with lights on at night.

The third observation and perhaps the most alarming was how much CLUTTER people live with in their daily lives. I saw piles of paperwork on the countertops or stacks of books and magazines on coffee tables. Some kitchens were piled high with dishes and culinary tools that covered most flat surfaces. Let's not forget the entryways that had backpacks and jackets piled high with various shoes dotting the floor.

As a whole people need to declutter and not just people selling their homes. Think about how much smoother the daily grind would be if everything needed was in its place. There are so many ways to conquer the clutter bugs in your home. Start with the three piles I have talked about before. Keep - Sell - Trash! Remember if you don't use it or haven't needed it in more than a year, get it out circulation. This at least gives you a starting point. There are several professionals out there that can help you sort and you can always ask a friend! Sometimes people are too emotionally attached to their "stuff" and need unbiased assistance.

If you don't think your home is cluttered, it may not be. A good test is to stand outside your home with windows uncovered and lights blazing and observe. If it is a well ordered home and decorated to suit your style and needs then AMEN! If you see some problem areas, or feel stress building at just the thought of completing this exercise, then take note and take action!

Ushering in the Fall season is a great time to take a fresh look at how you are living, how your home feels and looks and how your living environment lends to your personal success and achievement each day. Try the twilight exercise and take action to allow the clutter "fall" away from your daily living. The season may be much more enjoyable if you do.

As seen in The News Enterprise, October 3, 2009, authored by Sheila O'Mara owner of Staged SO Right