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Make-It-Yourself Artwork  

 

Need some artwork for your walls? Let BHG show you three simple steps to stunning art pieces you can make yourself.   Click here

First is an Appetizer/Dessert Party.  Have each guest bring their favorite appetizer or dessert that feeds 8 to 10 people.  This puts less stress on the hostess and an opportunity for all to taste some new recipes.

Second, one of the easiest types of entertaining is a soup and salad party that everyone can enjoy. Throw your favorite soup ingredients in your crock pot and let your soup cook all day.  Another person can bring some specialty bread from a local deli or bakery.  Someone else can bring the salad and/or dessert.

Keep your décor to  a minimum.  Remember to focus on your guests and enjoy visiting with them.  Get ready for a fun time for all!

Carlstadt, N.J. - Fashion and printing color authority Pantone has selected its "color of the year" for 2008: Blue Iris, aka Pantone 18-3943.

The company said the blue-purple blend combines "the stable and calming aspects of blue with the mystical and spiritual qualities of purple," and suggested this hue "satisfies the need for reassurance in a complex world, while adding a hint of mystery and excitement."

"Look for it artfully combined with deeper plums, red-browns, yellow-greens, grapes and grays," said Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of the Pantone Color Institute. She said Blue Iris "best represents color direction in 2008 for fashion, cosmetics and home products."

Eiseman added, "Emotionally, it is anchoring and meditative with a touch of magic."

Lift your spirits out of the winter doldrums. This year, as part of your new year's resolutions, resolve to make your living environment the beautiful, organized, and functional space you dream of.  With the help of an IRIS Certified Professional Interior Redesigner, it's easy to transform your home - without spending a dime on new furnishings or accessories.

Sound too good to be true?  Consider this "before"

photo.   The space is functional, yet it lacks a clearly defined focal point.  The area above the sofa is blank, and large round mirror pulls your eye to the left.  A large ottoman in front of the couch appears visually heavy, and the sofa feels crowded up against the patio doors.  Furthermore conversation is difficult. Fortunately there are attractive, interesting pieces with which to work.

The "after" photo shows the results of looking at the space with fresh eyes.  The sofa is now centered on the wall, creating a pleasing, balanced anchor for the space.  Two charming wicker chairs discovered in the sunroom create a conversation area.  A rectangular wooden bench from the entryway becomes the ideal coffee table. 

A single piece of art placed over the sofa gives the room a clear focal point, while the placement of a tall wooden cabinet with a vase of curly willow on top adds a needed touch of height and drama. Lighting and some well-placed accessories finish off the room, making it feel warm and inviting.

Voila!  From dull to delightful in a matter of hours.  This year, refresh your home and lift your spirits using the furnishings and accessories you already own, to enhance your life.

Staging during the winter months

Staging can be as simple as de-cluttering or as involved as hiring outside contractors to do remodeling projects around the house, but throw winter snow, ice, and cold into the mix and you have a whole new set of issues to deal with.  Don't let winter get in the way of selling your home.  Follow these few simple tips to make sure your home continues to show well.

•·         Keep all walkways and stairways shoveled and de-iced so potential homebuyers can safely get inside your home

•·         Keep the driveway plowed so you can show how much parking you have

•·         Make sure gutters are secure and remove any icicles hanging over doorways

•·         Hang a wreath on the front door to welcome guests

•·         Put a decorative doormat just inside the door to keep the floors from getting ruined in the bad weather

•·         Make the entryway welcoming.  Use a bench or coat rack to give guests a place to put their outerwear.  Hang a mirror to reflect light.  And create a homey feeling with a nice green plant or floral arrangement

•·         Bake cookies or simmer potpourri just before a showing for that down home feeling

•·         Have a fire going in the fireplace if you have one

•·         Make up the beds with layers of bedding and pillows so they can just see themselves snuggling up in it

•·         Make sure your holiday decorations are put away but leave out greens and a few white lights to keep a festive atmosphere

Anything you can do to give potential buyers that "winter wonderland" or "home for the holidays" feeling will help them to visualize just how great it would be to live in your home.