Holiday Decorating and Staging: Do They Mix?

Now that the holiday season is officially here with Thanksgiving behind us, I have clients wondering "is it Ok to decorate for Christmas (or Chanukah) even though we're selling our home?"

The answer: Yes, but on a scaled-down, tasteful level. Don't put up an 8-foot tree unless you live in a very large house with a huge room where it will look scale appropriate. Even then, pare down the whole of decorations elsewhere so that visitors (i.e. Buyers) aren't overwhelmed with holiday décor, especially village collections, ornaments on tables, dressers, hanging from lights, etc. And holiday-themed pillows, towels, placemats, tablecloths and bedding. All of that will look like clutter, which is a cardinal sin when it comes to staging! It will also look fantastic to anyone but the most die-hard Christmas lovers, and you run the risk of turning buyers off with too-personal choices in décor. Save hanging the stockings and putting out presents for Xmas Eve.

What is the best type of décor to use? A particular wreath on the front door, and natural greenery, white candles, and classy silver and gold ornaments add tastefulness to any home, as long as they are used in diminutive amounts, such as on a mantel and dining room table. Think "Pottery Barn" and you'll get the right idea!

Hopefully, it goes without saying to avoid putting out any religious items, such as Nativity sets indoors or out, or menorahs, in fact anyone outdoors other than greenery and white lights is risking an overdone or "tacky" look. Avoid inflatable Christmas decorations that are overly market when they are up and running, and look like laundry on the ground during the day.

If you undoubtedly feel you won't enjoy the holidays without dressing up your house to the nines, then hold off on listing - or put a moratorium on showings - until after the holidays. If buyers feel overwhelmed by lots of cute decorations, they won't be able to appreciate your home's features.

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Mixing Vintage Style With Urban Chic Creates a contemporary Retro Look

Mixing Vintage Style With Urban Chic Creates a contemporary Retro Look

Mixing vintage styles with newer looks is very "cool" and a popular decorating style today. In some circles phrases like "Urban Chic" or "Fresh Vintage" are used in place of "retro." It's still "retro" but a dissimilar take on the past when buyers integrate "edgy" vintage collectibles with modern style furnishings and décor. Others understand "Urban Chic" a limited differently and refer to the rise in popularity of collectors who are after metal furnishing and industrial styles compatible with city living. Of course this too is a throw- back to earlier times. Metal accessories and furnishings dominated mid-century homes and were used for magazine racks, telephone stands, ash tray holders, seating, serving pieces etc.

Today urbanites like buying old industrial steel shelving, vintage metal desks and chairs, old industrial desk accessories and lots of premise finds to decorate lofts, apartments and homes. This opens a whole new shop to sellers who are beginning to hunt for items in unusual places. Suburban homes are featuring high-tech kitchen surfaces and lots of stainless steel. Buyers now adore vintage metal canisters from the 1950s which seem to fit right into today's sleek kitchens. The "metro-retro" look is often combined with collectibles of the '50s, '60s, '70s to originate eclectic interiors which are unusual, outrageous and affordable.

If the industrial look is not your thing, there are other directions to consider. I have met many younger collectors who gravitate to "Bohemian Style." "Bohemian Style" is what happens when you your flea shop collecting is out of control but in a good way. Somehow collectors make the look pull together with unifying color schemes, themes, patterns or rhythms which develop the collections. Once again, collectors mix and match dissimilar eras, styles, textures, wall coverings, etc and like seasoned decorators, bohemian collectors tell us "it works." This style is hard to explain, so I might recommend reading Bohemian Style by Elizabeth Wilhide, a Watson Guptill publication. While '60s & '70s collectibles have moved more gradually in brick and mortar shops than those of earlier periods, "hip collectibles" are gaining momentum as major department stores are emphasizing these styles .Designers are taking bigger risks than in the past and it seems that once again buyers are being prompted to experiment with home interiors, products and materials.

May I remind you what they said years ago "let it all hang out." truly both manufacturers of new products and collectors of old products are "doing their own thing." Numerous on-line businesses with "shaggy sixties" websites catering to shoppers who adore palettes of pink, brown and lime green as well as cutesy patterns of stripes, polka dots and swirling designs are growing. In fact there are web designers who specialize just in this style.

While "twenty- and thirty-something" buyers are getting a kick out of ordering new home and clothing associated items inspired by "psychedelic" colors and designs, mature collectors
want the originals and are active buyers at flea markets, shops and shows. Colorful toasters and fondue sets, once thrift store staples, are now "cool" finds for both serious collectors and casual shoppers who are jumping on the "retro" bandwagon. Next time you turn your nose up at a set of kitchen canisters with a mushroom design, think again, you may be passing up a real "retro" gem that even Pottery Barn is retention an eye on.

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What Does the Pineapple Symbolize?

What Does the Pineapple Symbolize?

The influence of the pineapple fruit is apparent in the captivating array of decorations ready that use the pineapple form as part of its creation. We hear of architectural elements like pineapple pedestals, pineapple brackets and corbels as well as pineapple wall sculptures, and of its use in the kitchen in the form of pineapple napkin holders and trivets as well as bookends to grace your desk and library with hospitality and an air of friendliness and warmth. The pineapple has as a matter of fact a colorful history spanning from colonial times and is today heralded as the princess of fruits and credited as the symbol of hospitality and welcome. To give the pineapple as a gift conveys your intention to promote friendliness and graciousness to the recipient. The pineapple began initially as the fruit of the wealthy and guests were revered and charmed when a pineapple was located amidst their proximity in the dining area for that indicated the number of respect and observation the hostess besot upon them. Colonial America drew a refreshing and captivating means in using the pineapple motif in indulging their guests to the table and for a night spent at their home. Fresh pineapples were welcomed and appreciated as an expensive dessert for guests while the opinion of spending time in a room heavily decorated with pineapple designs in the bedposts or headboards were determined luxurious and gratifying.

The Origin of the Pineapple: The pineapple fruit may have originated from Brazil and Paraguay in South America where it reportedly received a boost into the European markets straight through Christopher Columbus who discovered the pineapple fruit in Guadeloupe in 1493. It was nicknamed the "pina" since it looked very much like a pinecone and brought to Spain. Sir Walter Raleigh was also very curious in the pineapple which he affectionately termed as the princess fruit. The interest in bringing this fruit into Europe then began. However, the Europeans were not sure how to grow the fruit and its arrival into Europe only began nearby the late 16th Century taking the Europeans approximately two long centuries to study and grow this much desired fruit. Once in Europe, this appetizing fruit ultimately wove its way into Holland and England. The English community was very impressed with the first pineapple created by the Royal Gardener, Mr John Rose for Charles Ii that it also inspired Hendrick Danckerts to paint the photo of the presentation of the fruit in 1675. The much celebrated pineapple was then grown in India and spread to China and in 1777, made ready in the Pacific Islands straight through Captain Cook.

The Inspiration of the Pineapple: The English who were overwhelmed with the lovely pineapple fruit drew inspiration from its looks and unique shape. As a result, the pineapple fruit inspired the coat of arms and was used as an architectural element in pottery and planters. The artistic appeal and attractive consequent that the pineapple fruit rendered were significant and the pineapple symbol inspired bed posts, tablecloths, napkins and napkin holders as well as bookends and candle holders. The symbol of this cherished fruit grew to be represented on any form of decorations that were visibly displayed for guests to enjoy and feel welcomed. Even till today, the pineapple fruit raises much interest in states like Virginia, Hawaii and Florida where the use of pineapple themed accessories and gifts are instrumental in highlighting the peace loving and hospitable population who reside within.

The restorative Powers of the Pineapple: The pineapple is also credited with possessing curative powers and records indicate that its tasty juice was used for curing throat infections, arthritis, bronchitis and indigestion. The use of the pineapple for the rehabilitation of diseases was however confined to the natives who originally grew them. It is not positive as to either this fruit was used for any curative purposes in colonial America. Modern studies also confirms that the fruit contains an enzyme known as "bromelain" which may be used in the rehabilitation of heart disease, combating sinus congestion and also be used in the rehabilitation of urinary tract infections. Fresh pineapple is loaded with Vitamin C and speeds up tissue increase and repair. Worthy of note however is that bromelain is contained in fresh pineapple and canning appears to destroy this enzyme but not the Vitamin C content.

The Entry of the Pineapple into the Americas: Colonists began importing this appetizing fruit from the Caribbean in the 17th Century and it soon took root as one of the revered and lavish fruits known ready to the wealthy. Since it was difficult to bring in this fruit into the country given that the trade routes where this fruit was procured was determined dangerous, it was determined a marked achievement to bring forth such a rare fruit for the guests. That opportunity was approximately always reserved for the wealthy class to share and enjoy but there was also opportunity when the pineapple was rented to elevate a person's rank in community for showing the potential in bringing to the table such an expensive fruit for display. The pineapple fruit then ultimately began to take on a new meaning as a symbol of warmth and friendliness. It was the crowning piece used for the large displays of food that the wealthy brought forth to the table. The hostess took much pain and trouble in elevating her family's collective status in colonial American community by introducing pineapple displays as it indicated a resourcefulness in captivating a unique display of food for all to admire and share. History records that New England sea captains would spike a pineapple exterior their homes on gateposts or on their front doors as a symbol of safe return after returning from hazardous trade routes in the Caribbean or Pacific. Today, commercial production of pineapples is credited in the state of Hawaii and Florida where Hawaii is notably one of the world's largest producers of canned pineapples.

The Use of the Pineapple Theme in Decorating: Even till today, Americans continue to show interest in decorating the home with pineapple designs. Not only are pineapple designs prevalent in the home in places like the foyer and living areas as well as kitchen, they are also visibly displayed in the form of pineapple finials on gateposts or as fountains for the garden. The use of pineapple plaques highlighted with the warm, captivating words "Welcome to our Home" has become a common sight. Virginia still continues to be one of the former states that ardently displays pineapple motifs and designs in many of their household accessories, still highlighting the pineapple symbol as the top form of hospitality rendered. The pineapple symbol is also an accent that is strongly welcomed by their hospitality business where displays of pineapple themed fixtures and decorations on wall papers and furniture, are legendary. Virginia highlights many traveler destinations that imbibe the use of the pineapple into its architectural landscape. The Shirley Plantation highlights 3.5 feet of wooden pineapple constructed in the late 1700s on the peak of the roof line as a show of hospitality and as an invitation to river travelers arrival to the plantation. The establishment also highlights the use of beautiful pineapple motifs within its premises.

No one can therefore dispense the historical, collective and economic impact of the pineapple fruit which was once compared to the pinecone. While the production of pineapples have fueled the economies for the states of Florida and Hawaii, the symbolic designs and good looks of the pineapple has also led to much inspiration in decorating concepts and designs using unique pineapple themed accessories for the home and garden. The pineapple also continues to inspire the hospitality business in many of these states which were responsible for providing this fruit to the rest of the Americas, highlighting the deep meaning attached to the symbol of the pineapple.

Written by Romilla D. For Kaviik's Accents

© 2008 Kaviik's Accents Inc. All rights Reserved

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straightforward Futon Cover Shopping Tips

straightforward Futon Cover Shopping Tips

When out shopping for a futon cover, there are sure things that you should consider. Don't take this for granted because these tips can unquestionably help you save money. That is in the picture, of course, since you probably got that futon in the first place so that you would not have to get a bed and a couch since that is more expensive.

Read on before you go browsing the net or even shopping in retail shop like Pottery Barn and Bed Bath and Beyond. List down the assorted factors you have to look into and bring that with you when shopping.

Size matters - This is the first, most leading thing that you should all the time look for in a futon cover. There are accepted mattress sizes for this sort of furniture (e.g. Small, medium and large) but don't rely on just that. Quantum that which you own and then check the actual sizes of the bedding or cover that you plan to get.

Consider the color and found - Remember that using a futon cover is one way of getting your room a much-needed makeover. Color and pattern are leading because you want to complement this with the whole room. Mismatch or clashing styles will only ruin your intention of great interior decoration. Don't just go for what you like or what is popular nowadays. Base it on the room every single time.

Know the material unquestionably well - Natural fabrics like cotton are all the time great choices. But don't disregard those which are artificially made because these are surprisingly good also - especially if it was well made. For instance, you can find microsuede fabrics nowadays which are basically made from polyester. This feels as good as the real thing but it is cheaper.

Look at the stitches - You unquestionably do not want to sit down on or lie down in a mattress with a torn futon cover, right? Sometimes, this starts from the sewn seams mainly because it was not sewn well. Obviously, this will be difficult when you are shopping online. But you should all the time ask about this.

Go for something which can be washed in a regular washing machine - Make sure that the one you will get will fit your washing machine. But this does not just refer to the size. It also refers to the material that you have. Unless you bring your laundry to a shop every time you need those cleaned, spending extra on just your futon cover is not practical.

Practicality or Style - what should you go for? - Some citizen like thin cotton fabrics a lot because it is soft and simple. But is this a good idea in places which have unquestionably low temperature like Alaska? Do you think that leather is good if you have a baby at home? Think about practicality first and then rule on the style you want.

Cheap does not all the time mean bad capability and costly ones aren't all the time good quality. This is pretty self-explanatory. And you have probably experienced this, too. Just be particular when shopping for these things. If you want a unquestionably good futon cover, check out clearance sales and get that at a discounted rate.

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