Julea Joseph Home Stager, Stylist Chicago Home , Interior Design

•· My two appointments today illustrate how having a progressive menu of services, additional education and expertise brings you long term relationships with your best business source - An existing client!

•1. A Realtor associated with my Builder Models I merchandised hires me to stage the home for her lasted sale in the sub-division. Most likely, I'll be helping them decorate the new home as well.

•2. My staging client hires me to help choose a new paint palette and arrange her new space in her NEW home.

Beyond the typical home stager's repertoire of just prepping that home for sale, as an interior stylist I have a progressive menu of services that that continue to service you as you move on. Once that home is SOLD, we move on with you to your next chapter, and help you turn your NEW house into a home.

•· Color Consultation- Since we're already familiar with your things from your old home, we're right by your side in expertly selecting and creating a new color palette. From paint color to textile suggestions - Gone with the old home owners hues or those contractor white wall - In with color choices in-tune to your belongings and personal style.

•· Interior Redesign- We take what you have and make it all work within your new home. In just a day, your blank space becomes your space. Your room becomes balanced, functional and unified. Best of all, you get instant gratification, validate your existing pieces, and ready the space for family and friends.

•· Shopping, Procurement & Design Services- If you'd like to refresh and add to your furniture & collections, we can make suggestions or ease your load and shop for those new pieces. Need more traditional design service such as window treatments or more? Our talents and resources can add those finishing touches to your space or work with you and your contractor to make needed or wanted updates.

Since 1999, interior stylist Julea Joseph has owned Chicago area based interiors and home staging business - Reinventing Space. Your can see her work on HGTV or in the news giving homeowners expert insight on how to refresh, style and celebrate their space -Whether staging their home to go on the market, just settling in, or just in need of a change.

Julea also offers her expertise with mentoring and certification educational offerings to Realtors, Home Stagers and Interior Redesigners in the industry. Visit her site, JULEA.com or Interior Stylist Program. For more information or email her at Julea@Julea.com.

11 years ago today I was lucky girl in Minneapolis filming HGTV's "Decorating Cents." I woke up this morning and realized what an amazing milestone this was for my Interior Redesign & Home Staging Business! - Reinventing Space

I had just moved back to Chicago two weeks prior, and was so excited that had been given the opportunity to showcase my work on national TV and benefit my newly relocated business. Along with fellow redesigner Jackie Davis,we had been asked by our design organization the IADA to participate in the filming. At that time our association did all the "Interior Arrangement/No Cost Decorating" segments for the show.

HGTV was just a budding cable channel and the production company Edelman Productions filmed many (and still does) many of the shows and "Decorating Cents" was their hit #1 HGTV show - So I felt very honored that I was filming.

We had just a blast over the next 4 days and although coached and counseled by Redesigners that had already preceded us, we were in for a big surprise on what went on behind the scenes of filming a TV show. Out little 5 minute segment took 8 hours to film. From the hailed "Lighting Guy," that was by far the most important factor of setting the scene, to the segment producer Tara that ran things like a ballet choreographer, to the "Guys" on staff that moved, schlepped and carried all and any of the heavy furniture and accessories that we were Redesigning - To this day, I wish I had those guys on hand at all my makeovers. From how to light a room, to how a space is seen on camera, to how to act and appear on camera, I've carried what I learned those four days in everyone one of my projects and speaking engagements.

I also learned that people didn't buy clearance Cashmere sweaters there and who the singer Pink was, because she was staying in our hotel.

Jackie and I just exchanged emails this am and promised to dig through our photo archives to find the pictures and VHS videos of our segments. After 11 years, I have still held in memory my mantle Issue lines:

"Although this fireplace is large in stature, its mantle depth is narrow, which causes a real dilemma when accessorizing it. Let me show you what I did..."

So, thanks HGTV for giving me the opportunity 11 years ago! Fast forward to 2011, and you can see my work on another HGTV show "My First Place" this Friday, July 8^th at 6pm.

And since 2000, I've appeared on numerous Chicago-area TV segments from ABC, CLTV to WGN, and have two local cable shows I film every month - Who would of know?

Since 1999, interior stylist Julea Joseph has owned Chicago area based interiors and home staging business - Reinventing Space. Your can see her work on HGTV or in the news giving homeowners expert insight on how to refresh, style and celebrate their space -Whether staging their home to go on the market, just settling in, or just in need of a change.

Julea also offers her expertise with mentoring and certification educational offerings to Realtors, Home Stagers and Interior Redesigners in the industry. Visit her site, JULEA.com or Interior Stylist Program. For more information or email her at Julea@Julea.com.

The endless chatter from TV Interior Decorating opinions has made Home Staging sometimes seem like a quagmire of misinforms and product placement ads. The process of Home Staging doesn't have to reach deep into your pockets, nor so time consuming it's out of your reach if you seek the expertise of a professional Home Stager. A well oiled pro will streamline not only your budget, but also save you your most important resource - time. Here are some simple tips on prepping your home for sale can make the process much easier.

•1. Remove YOU From the Home Staging Process: The place you've called home all these years is now a product that gets prepped, package and wrapped with a target buyer in mind. Your personal style, your taste, your needs and emotions get replaced with the requirements of the ideal buyer.

•2. Look at Your Home in its Entirety: From curbside to back fence, to the online photos - You're selling a package, not just the physical home. Today's buyer is a smart and refined set, they expect from the moment they view photos online, to when they walk your backyard, that the home is pulled together tip to toe.

•3. Consider the Stature & Style of Your Home: Whether cozy cottage or charming château, your home's style and stature dictates how you package the product. Set the stage by staying true to the bones of your home - from quality to price point, be well educated when making updates, repairs and furniture and accessories choices to stay true and in-tuned to the property's standing.

•4. You're Selling Space not Stuff: From lawn accessories to garage gadgets, showcase the property's architecture, floor plans, details and storage instead of the stuff you've accumulated. Instead, strategically use the stuff as a catalyst to define and highlight these important selling features!

•5. The Psychology of the 5 Senses: People buy on psychology & emotion. Utilize how we emotionally connect - The 5 senses. Make sure your property passes the 5 senses test and evokes the senses of home... Looks great and is light and bright, smells citrus clean and fresh, relaxing sounds and is tactically pleasing - especially in the kitchen and baths.

Since 1999, interior stylist Julea Joseph has owned Chicago area based interiors and home staging business - Reinventing Space. Your can see her work on HGTV or in the news giving homeowners expert insight on how to refresh, style and celebrate their space -Whether staging their home to go on the market, just settling in, or just in need of a change.

Julea also offers her expertise with mentoring and educational offerings to Realtors, Home Stagers and Interior Redesigners in the industry. Visit her site, JULEA.com or Interior Stylist Program for more information or email her at Julea@Julea.com.

For those who went through Interior Redesign Training, the intimidating task of being the trainee is executing your 1^st One Day Room Makeover. Part of your training course is being initiated by accomplishing an Interior Redesign - Overseen deftly by your instructor.

Having taken my training in Dallas, we arrived at our Hands-on makeover at a lovely golf course home in East Plano. Upon arrival, the Home's portico entry housed a shiny black Lexus SUV, the interior oozed quality and high-style. From the Stickley writing desk, the English buffet in the Dining Room, to the petite still-life oils in gilded frames - My training partner and I were instantly hesitant by the stature of the home.

Part of the process of a One Day Makeover is asking the homeowner if there are any precarious pieces to note. She stated she picked up the English buffet at auction for $16,000.00 and the Stickley had been handed down through her husband's side. So noted, and now fully frightened, we started the process of dismantling the room.

During your training you're taught how to aptly rearrange precious things, so during the dismantling process, my training mate and I eyed a cocktail table to move. We had to move the table before the desk. The intricate hand carved legs, the mass, the mahogany finish all screamed - bend low or you'll slip a disc. We steadied ourselves, counted to three and prepared to life the weighty subject. To our amazement, the table practically flew from our arms! Instead of being hundreds of pounds, it was a near maybe 40. Huh? What? To our wonder in this fancy abode, next to the desk, when we looked under the table, it was stamped - "BOMBAY COMPANY."

Being sassy students, we knew that Bombay Company was a home décor store that sold affordable knock-offs of decorating classics.

My, my... that knock-off cocktail was assumed priceless because it sat in the same space with the priceless Stickley! What a fabulous lesson to learn. Develop your skills on knowing high quality and then you can help your clients with the art of the Mix! A mix of Rich and Poor.

So, 13 years later and my design philosophy stays true from that little lesson I learned over a decade ago; It's all about the perfect mix - Understanding how to mix "Rich with Poor." This styling technique allows the savvy homeowner to get the look, but not always at the high price. The trick is knowing when to spend it and when not to.

So the other day I read online that the Bombay Company has been reformed! I was so excited, because that company was such a great source!

I can now arm my clients with pieces from the resurrected Bombay Co. & I am thrilled. Go check out their collection at WWW.QVC.com. My 1st choice pick is the Riley console table. With its streamline style and neo-classical cut-outs, it fits seamlessly into any space.

Final Note: Those petite still-life oils in gilded frames... Still had their price tags from "Tuesday Morning..." on their backs!

Since 1999, interior stylist Julea Joseph has owned Chicago area based interiors and home staging business - Reinventing Space. Your can see her work on HGTV or in the news giving homeowners expert insight on how to refresh, style and celebrate their space -Whether staging their home to go on the market, just settling in, or just in need of a change.

Julea also offers her expertise with mentoring and educational offerings to Realtors, Home Stagers and Interior Redesigners in the industry. Visit her site, JULEA.com or Interior Stylist Program for more information or email her at Julea@Julea.com.

It's my business to make homes better. As an Interior Stylist, I'm the new generation of designer that can seamlessly progress from a home staging professional to interior design consultant, but (always on a budget.) My job is to celebrate your home and make it beautiful no matter what chapter you may be on in it.

From when you 1^st move in, to when you sell - I'm there to make your home better. My business philosophy is to spend it where you need to, and then fill in the blanks with chic, yet cheap finds - The perfect mix of Rich with Poor. Like I always say ..."If you keep your big mouth shut, they'll never know..."

So... it's almost spring.

Whether you are going or staying, the induction of spring seems to be the cue for home makeovers. Just like the longing for a fresh breeze through open windows, homeowners are ready for change. From simple updates like a fresh new paint palette, to the restless rustlings of bigger remodeling projects; this season seems to burst forth home makeover needs like the crocuses popping up in your lawn.

In this series of three articles, I'll be offering insight on how to go about a home makeover project. The 1^st of the series is "Where to Begin," followed by two other articles "Style & Details Defined" and "Current Trending & Savvy Shopping Sources." Hopefully, your makeover needs will be more defined, and if not, I'll be getting a call.

Where to Begin?

The 1^ststep to home makeover projects is to define your room goals, create a plan, and be realistic of a budget. Unlike the makeover shows you watch on TV, unless you had stock options for an Internet IPO, any home project will cost you more than the materials you purchase.

DEFINE YOUR ROOM GOALS. Is it that darn lack luster living room in need of a décor boost and a color correction? Is it your kitschy out-dated kitchen that will never appeal to the 30-somethings that will be the ideal buyer for your home in need of an overhaul? By sketching out your goals, you'll start defining the steps you'll needs to complete the makeover.

When I work with my clients, my 1^st step in defining your goals is to use adjective packed sentences to describe how you want to define the space. As an example:

"I want my lackluster living room to feel warm and inviting - a cozy place to curl-up on the couch to read a book, or engage in the latest news with my favorite neighbor. Buttery tones, soft, tea-washed fabrics, with simple, yet sophisticated French flea market inspired accents will fill this space."

Or, "I want to update and redefine my kitschy out-dated kitchen, complete with duck-with-bows wall border into a turn-key ready, for a family of four, with smart, shiny new appliances, envy-evoking, trend forward cabinets and irresistible, yet no-fuss quartz counter tops - so that the kitchen appeals to the target buyer of my home."

CREATE A PLAN. Create a workable outline of all the projects you'll need to do to complete your makeover. From wallpaper stripping, to accessory shopping, define, outline and calendar your plan. The best and most effective way of succeeding in this plan - is to take a hard look of what you are and are not capable of. Please, just because you once read in a magazine "3 Easy Steps on how you can reface your cabinets in a weekend with Contact® paper," doesn't make a sale-able worthy kitchen remodel. Consider your time restraints, knowledge and expertise in all project details, and understand that if you really want to get this done in a timely matter, you'll need to seek professional help in certain areas.

ATTACH A REALISTIC BUDGET. Once your goals have been described, a plan has been defined you can now attach budget estimates to each of the projects. By attaching a budget to each of the projects, you'll get a realistic view of your financial investment. By far, the most faulted area of any home makeover is not being realistic of the costs to complete it. It is not an educated guess that your new complete furnishing dreams for your living room will cost $399.00 because that's what the price quoted on the HGTV show. News alert, a side table for your living room is around $399.00 - Just the side table! Be smart, weed through catalogs and jot down home décor pricing, scour over Sunday newspaper flyers and the Internet, and get estimates by referred professionals for deeded work.

Once you've established your budget projection, completed your goals and plan - you can proceed to "Style & Details Defined" step of your home makeover. This style definition exercise will help you understand the psychology of the home makeover, understand your home and your lifestyle - which will help you choose color, materials and the overall look of the makeover.

Since 1999, interior stylist Julea Joseph has owned Chicago area based interior design and home staging business - Reinventing Space. Your can see her work on HGTVor in the news giving homeowners expert insight on how to refresh, style and celebrate their space -Whether prepping their home to go on the market, just settling in, or just in need of a change.

Julea also offers her expertise with certification training and mentoring offerings to Realtors, Home Stagers and Interior Redesigners in the industry. Visit her site, JULEA.com or Interior Stylist Program for more information or email her at Julea@Julea.com.