Re:Fresh Re:Design, I have an eye for your style!

All photos and/or written content produced by Cheryl Marantino. All rights reserved and may not be reproduced or reprinted without express written permission of Cheryl Marantino, Re:Fresh Re:Design, Serving Colorado Springs, Colorado and surrounding areas in El Paso and Teller Counties.

I have several Google Alerts set, and therefore get some REALLY interesting reading in my inbox. I scan over the list of things related to the topics I have chosen, and pass on 3/4ths of what I get. Sometimes a particular title will catch my attention, and I click the link to read further.

Some that have caught my attention are the story about the Homeowners Sueing Their Realtor for NOT Recommending Staging, (the story said the homeowner won!) When I went back to pick up the link to re-read that one, it was gone. Another was a story about how Staging Doesn't Require Any Investment, and Anyone Can Do It. I posted on this blog about that one. How about learning how to develop a 6 Figure Income in 7 Days? One that really got me was a story about how Stagers are the Most Sought Real Estate Professionals!

Today I was cleaning out my mailbox, (it was overstuffed since I had no internet access for 2 whole weeks of vacation!). I ran across this one, that piqued my interest. It was a public blog from a woman who was questioning whether or not to hire a stager. I read a little, and then saw a comment about Active Rain! Exciting! I followed the commenters link, and guess what? It was Chris Fisher from right here in the Rain. Chris said she thought staging was a good idea, and that the blogger should check out the site, herself. A connection with a consumer. I think that is the, (supposed) goal of most social media networking.

Thank you Chris, for sending this consumer in the right direction, and letting her decide about the benefits we provide!

All photos and/or written content produced by Cheryl Marantino. All rights reserved and may not be reproduced or reprinted without express written permission of Cheryl Marantino, Re:Fresh Re:Design, Serving Colorado Springs, Colorado and surrounding areas in El Paso and Teller Counties.

I attended a class tonight, taught by a very talented friend who is a Virtual Assistant. She is teaching a six week course here in Colorado Springs on Social Media Networking. She allows individuals to pop in to specific classes if you need to learn or brush-up on specific topics, so I went to a Twitter class. I have been on Twitter for about a month and a half, and just like when I joined AR, I wasn't sure of it's value, or what was "cool", but I dove in, feet first! Jeff Turner was the FIRST message I received, and he told me as I connected with more people the "coolness" would become evident.

Tonight I learned lots of little tricks, and got links to helpful websites and met some nice folks that are going to be Tweeters, soon. I came home excited about all I had learned, and ready to try out my new found wisdom on my computer, (I don't have a laptop to take to class!).

The hubs listened patiently as I yammered on about this link and that, and then he asked, "Now which thing was this you were learning about?" "Twitter", I replied. "Is that part of My Face?" , he asked.

It may be a while before I share my enthusiasm with him again...

These very cool icons are provided free of charge by DryIcons

BEFORE

This before photo shows a family room that would fulfill the needs of most any family. Nice fireplace, cozy seating, accessible tables for drinks and snacks. Lamps for reading, and of course a TV that is visible from any seat. Comfy pillows round out the room. There are design elements that hint at the family interest in southwestern style, but it is not a focal point. Completely livable and comfortable, right? What is there to change?

AFTER

The after photo of the same room shows a rearrangement that allows easy access from the first entry point in the room. The tables are still accessible, but now showcase a few pieces of interesting art, that reflect the family style, without overwhelming. The lighting and comfy pillows are still available for curling up with a good book, and the TV is still visible from all seating. Because the TV is not diagonally across from the first point of entry, it is no longer the focal point of the room. The fireplace takes center stage now, with complementary art keeping the design line low.

If this were a redesign, and not a staging, we might have put the TV cabinet directly opposite the sofa, flat against the long wall. For staging purposes, it would feel as though you were "walking into" furniture, in that location. Many people lump staging and redesign, decorating and interior design all into one category, but each serves a very specific purpose. Some require specialized training, or even a degree.

If you have furnishings that just don't look like they did on the showroom floor when you bought them, maybe a redesign is in order. If you are thinking of putting your home on the market, a staging is definately something to consider. Working with what a homeowner has is what we do best! Allowing the owner of a redesigned home to see their things in a whole new light, and helping the seller of a staged home maximize their space and feature their best assets to a buyer!

All written content produced by Cheryl Marantino. All rights reserved and may not be reproduced or reprinted without express written permission of Cheryl Marantino, Re:Fresh Re:Design, review, refresh, results! Serving Colorado Springs, Colorado and surrounding areas in El Paso and Teller Counties.

All photos and/or written content produced by Cheryl Marantino. All rights reserved and may not be reproduced or reprinted without express written permission of Cheryl Marantino, Re:Fresh Re:Design, review, refresh, results! Serving Colorado Springs, Colorado and surrounding areas in El Paso and Teller Counties.