Design Ideas for Bookshelves

Bookshelves have come a long way. Working for a client in need of a new look for his tired office I came upon some amazing designs and I wanted to share them.
These are definitely “out-of-the-box”. I LOVE the creativity and great use of space.

A Home Decorating site I often visit is http://www.neatorama.com/ they have designs from all over the world and have a search box.

This one is from designer Zhdanova Irina. Her design also comes with a set of sofas that can be stored as a matching ring: Link - via Cribcandy and Yanko Design

This next one is a bit Whimsical but I could definately see this in the right room.

This next one is my favorite.

It can be placed on the floor or hung on a wall.

I could also see a smaller version of this in a Bath with Towels, Soaps & Slippers.

I enjoy seeing the creativity of others.

I would love to hear from others as to their favorite sites.

I try to "Surf" the web as often as possible.

My Best,

DesAnn Collins

www.DesignByDesAnn.com

The Value of Giving To Others

I had the most wonderful experience in Pontiac Michigan. Myself and many others were truly in the Christmas Spirit on Monday December the 8th.We helped Terry Grahl, fellow SDP member, bring her vision of a homeless women's shelter makeover to fruition. Words really can not describe the rich reward we received from giving of our time & talent to others. The generosity of others was overwhelming. Comfort Inn & Suites even donated a room for me. My sister and I enjoyed our little trip from Ohio, little did we realize how much the trip would mean to us.

I know the women felt that they had been given a "GIFT", but really it was us. Terry's dream of enchantment came to life before our eyes.It was amazing to see so many donations from people all across our country assembled in one room waiting to be dispersed through-out the building. Hundreds and hundreds of items. New Robes to large items of furniture. AMAZING!Terry's army of volunteers never complained and worked like elves to help the "MAGIC" happen.

Before I left on the trip some friends and family were concerned for our safety. I can honestly say that non of us ever felt more SAFE.

Many of the shelters male inhabitants helped us make the magic happen. I'm certain that some of them hadn't felt how truly they were needed and respected in a long time. Watching Scott weave his many talents of "Jack of All Trades" was inspiring to me. I don't know what we would have done without him.The shelter laid out a fantastic & delicious lunch for us. Many of the men brought us hot meals to our tables and insisted on giving Terry & her "Elves" a standing ovation.

One of the women was awe-struck over the transformation of the rooms and cried on my shoulder for helping. She was distraught over the idea of not being able to repay me for my long drive from Ohio.I told her that all I want her to do is to realize that there are folks out there who really do care about them and the way she could repay us was to realize her dreams. This shelter is beautiful but is only a stepping stone towards her living her dreams.

Mere words can not explain the joyous feeling that permeated that building.On my journey I was also privileged to meet so many great people from all levels of our society working together towards a common goal.I know that I and my sister will definitely be there again for Terry and her "Enchanted Cottage" makeover next year. Christmas is about giving to others and instead of us giving to them...they had actually given to me.

Thank you Terry!
May all of you have a joyous and magical Holiday Season.

Merry Christmas,
DesAnn Collins
Design By DesAnn of Ohio
http://www.designbydesann.com/

Staging a Home During The Holidays

Staging a Home During The Holidays

Design By DesAnn north coast Ohio
As a large portion of my business, Design By DesAnn, we Stage hundreds of homes every year.At this time of year with the Holidays approaching I am asked by clients and Realtors what we recommend for Holiday Decorating.

1. First of all let’s start with the outside. I like to see lights outside but kept to specific areas that will make our product shine.

2. A spot light on a beautiful wooden door with a LARGE wreath is fantastic. If there are tall wooden columns flanking the entry showcase them with lights and natural green boughs of Pine. Natural Pine roping can be found at Nursery’s and Christmas tree retailers.

3. I like to stay true to the products age and Architecture. Showcase any Trees you may have with lights. You can either hang lights from low branches and/or Spot Light those tall Evergreens.

4. I like to see all the lights the same color as not to “clutter” the visual affect. White lights are gorgeous, in my opinion, yet will the perspective buyer notice another White Holiday lit home?

5. All Red or All Blue or Green lights perhaps. They need to flatter the selling features and compliment the products color and style.

Warm & Inviting is always a Stagers desire for the exterior of a home for sale. This is the perfect time of year to Stage your product.

The idea is to have the Buyer WANT to be there to EXPERIENCE the Holidays.

WOW them with a bold statement done simply.

Consider using the new LED window candles in every window that can be seen from the street. Makes ya just want to go in and be cozy.

Really understanding who it is you are Marketing too is crucial.

1. With Interiors it can be tricky. We Stagers are accustomed to asking our clients to minimize all religious Icons. There are however certain neighborhoods known for their Church, Synagogue, Temple and so on. In my city where we live there is an entire area of town called The Saint Jude’s neighborhood. Having a Nativity scene in this specific neighborhood could be a positive point.

2. I recommend that my clients really discipline themselves to only display a small portion of their decorations.

3. Keeping the product warm & inviting, cheerful and uncluttered should be the goal.

4. A particular home here in my hometown always has their Christmas tree in their beautiful 10 ft. windows. If I were looking in that area and price range… that staged scene of that tree would have me buying in a heartbeat!

5.This is the perfect time to have a Dining Room set for a party. This would have the buyer dreaming of perhaps them entertaining their friends and family in that room.Staging any home is problem solving.

Be particularly careful not to leave decorations up after the New Year. It conveys that you are not “on top of things”. I recommend that an exterior door wreath be replaced with any other shaped decoration for winter such as a basket with cascading greens or a Pear shape. The wreath, circle, shape seen on homes in February will look like a Holiday Wreath.A great source for inspiration is the Better Homes & Gardens online site.Please Decorate your home even while it is on the market. Life is short and you need to enjoy your home during the selling process, but PLEASE restrain yourself.

My best,

DesAnn Collins O.D.S.D.P., CSREP

Design By DesAnn LLC

Charter Certified member of The SDP®

Certified Decorating & Home Staging Professional

Founder Certified Staging Real Estate Association®

RVP RESA

440-324-19571957

http://www.designbydesann.com/

info@DesignByDesAnn.com

Changing the world one room at a time,By transforming what you own!

Staging a Home During The Holidays

As a large portion of my business, Design By DesAnn, we Stage hundreds of homes every year.
At this time of year with the Holidays approaching I am asked by clients and Realtors what we recommend for Holiday Decorating.

1. First of all let’s start with the outside. I like to see lights outside but kept to specific areas that will make our product shine.
2. A spot light on a beautiful wooden door with a LARGE wreath is fantastic. If there are tall wooden columns flanking the entry showcase them with lights and natural green boughs of Pine. Natural Pine roping can be found at Nursery’s and Christmas tree retailers.
3. I like to stay true to the products age and Architecture. Showcase any Trees you may have with lights. You can either hang lights from low branches and/or Spot Light those tall Evergreens.
4. I like to see all the lights the same color as not to “clutter” the visual affect. White lights are gorgeous, in my opinion, yet will the perspective buyer notice another White Holiday lit home?
5. All Red or All Blue or Green lights perhaps. They need to flatter the selling features and compliment the products color and style.

Warm & Inviting is always a Stagers desire for the exterior of a home for sale. This is the perfect time of year to Stage your product. The idea is to have the Buyer WANT to be there to EXPERIENCE the Holidays.

WOW them with a bold statement done simply.

Consider using the new LED window candles in every window that can be seen from the street. Makes ya just want to go in and be cozy.

Really understanding who it is you are Marketing too is crucial.

1. With Interiors it can be tricky. We Stagers are accustomed to asking our clients to minimize all religious Icons. There are however certain neighborhoods known for their Church, Synagogue, Temple and so on. In my city where we live there is an entire area of town called The Saint Jude’s neighborhood. Having a Nativity scene in this specific neighborhood could be a positive point.
2. I recommend that my clients really discipline themselves to only display a small portion of their decorations.
3. Keeping the product warm & inviting, cheerful and uncluttered should be the goal.
4. A particular home here in my hometown always has their Christmas tree in their beautiful 10 ft. windows. If I were looking in that area and price range… that staged scene of that tree would have me buying in a heartbeat
5.
This is the perfect time to have a Dining Room set for a party. This would have the buyer dreaming of perhaps them entertaining their friends and family in that room.
Staging any home is problem solving.
Be particularly careful not to leave decorations up after the New Year. It conveys that you are not “on top of things”. I recommend that an exterior door wreath be replaced with any other shaped decoration for winter such as a basket with cascading greens or a Pear shape. The wreath, circle, shape seen on homes in February will look like a Holiday Wreath.
A great source for inspiration is the Better Homes & Gardens online site.
Please Decorate your home even while it is in the market. Life is short and you need to enjoy your home during the selling process, but PLEASE restrain yourself.

My best,
DesAnn Collins O.D.S.D.P., CSREP
Design By DesAnn LLC
Charter Certified member of The SDP®
Certified Decorating & Home Staging Professional
Founder Certified Staging Real Estate Association®
RVP RESA
2001 Ford Rd
Elyria, Ohio 44035
440-324-1957
www.DesignByDesAnn.com
info@DesignByDesAnn.com
Changing the world one room at a time,
By transforming what you own!