Karen Brown, MA, Realtor, AHS, ALHS

HOME STAGING WORKS!!! If you or someone you know have a listing that's not moving -Contact StagedbyAlynGrayer@yahoo.com for more information! We work with Realtors and Sellers in Houston TX and surrounding areas with getting the listing from "stale to sold"

I had a wonderful time getting this project off the ground. It required all the elements I enjoy doing the most: consulting, planning, shopping, and execution. My clients were very please with the final outcome.

This project required using what the homeowner already owned and I utilized it in a different manner. They are collectors of African art and had more than enough pieces around their home that were useful in completing this project. Initially, I thought that I would need to purchase books to give it a full, robust feel of a traditional library. However, I did not need to secure additional books and preferred the less crowded feel that created warmth and invitation to the space. . I finished the space with storage items to take care of any loose pamphlets and magazines. Please check out some of my before & after pictures below.

Before Pictures:

After Pictures:

Good idea for green-living!

I recently found this idea on a site where they built a bookcase from old fruit crates and place it at the foot of the bed. It's a very easy weekend project.

First, start with three sturdy, same-size crates. Stand them on end, and screw them together through the sides. Next, cut a top and bottom from 1-inch boards and secure with screws. If you want to achieve a weathered effect, prime and paint with a base coat of white.** After the paint dries, rub a candle over the edges to resist the second coat of paint. Apply the contrasting top coat. Let dry, then sand to expose part of the base coat. Top with cushions or pillows if desired or display decorative items.

**make sure you use low-VOC paints

I have a client that has a library on the landing of her stairway. She would like to have it redesigned using books with character. ie. heavy-leather, aged and in mint condition, etc. Can anyone suggest where I can find an on-line source for affordable books?

When suggesting to clients about repainting rooms for that clean and brighter view - suggest using paints that are eco-friendly. They should be low-VOC (volatile organic compounds) which do not emit off-gas and are low-odor during application. Your client can purchase them at Benjamin Moore, Sherwin-Williams, Duron Genesis, just to name a few. Also, visit mythicpaint.com for these non-toxic paints. Shaker Beige (Ben Moore) is a wonderful, neutral color.