Color Consulting and Design: 2014

Tuesday, February 18, 2014

The Home Stager's Tools of the Trade

When preparing, the first step is to have the appropriate supplies to complete the job. The following is an itemized list of the basic supplies one needs to Home Stage like a professional. These supplies are essential in the success of one’s staging job. There are many other tools we believe you should eventually get but these are the basics.

Stationary
Brochures
Business Cards
Thank you cards
Staging Post Cards
Redesign Post cards
Presentation folders
Quotation folders
Envelopes
Letterhead
Bumper stickers
Pens
Blank invoices
Helpful tools
Furniture moving set
Carpet Sliders
Hard floor sliders
Discount offers (Pods)
3 ft and 6 foot ladder
Uniform: Pants, polo shirt, socks, comfortable shoes
Rubber gloves
Paint can key
Visual Aid tools
Consultation Guides
Staging Portfolio
Stager’s Yard Signs
Shirts for give
Working Aprons

Hammer	A 16-oz. curved-claw nail hammer is your best bet. A rubber grip handle is more comfortable to use for long periods of time.
Saw	A cross-cut hand saw will handle most things. There are some short ones that will fit in the average tool box.
Stapler	A small, stapler that will also hold small brads can be very handy.
Screwdrivers	A small basic set that contains both standard flat blades as well as Phillips heads will tackle most jobs. There are some pretty neat combination drivers that include a variety of blades that all fit on one main handle.
Tape	Don't forget the incredible duct tape, which can hold anything together. Electrical tape is handy too.
Drill	Either cordless or electrical will do. You will also need a variety of bits.
Level	Even a small, inexpensive level can help your work come out straight. 24 to 36 inch
C-Clamps	These will hold lots of things you are trying to put back together.
Pliers	A good, basic pair of slip-joint pliers can tighten, loosen and hold all sorts of things for you.
Wrench	An adjustable wrench or a "Crescent" wrench can give you lots of extra muscle to tighten and loosen a variety of nuts and bolts.
Ruler	A retracting flexible tape rule is compact, accurate and very useful.
Utility Knife	Get one with replaceable blades.
Glue	Household cement will tackle most things.
Fasteners	Buy a couple of inexpensive variety packs and you'll probably have what you need.
Sandpaper	A basic variety pack should have what you will need for the average project.
Lubricant	WD-40 is amazing stuff.
Flashlight	A small, rechargeable flashlight is important for all sorts of emergencies.
Tool Box	A lightweight, plastic model will hold most of this stuff plus a few of your own favorites. There are some nifty models that have some great features like a place to sit down!
Plunger	A plumber's friend can also be your friend, especially if your toilet is overflowing!
Measuring Tape	A measuring tape 25 to 30 feet long

Feng Shui: Basic Bacua Fundamental Quiz

1. What does Feng Shui mean?

      2.      What does it promote, and where? Give four examples.
        a.
        b.
        c.
        d.

3. Explain what the five Elements are, and how do they reflect in Feng Shui?

4. What do the five elements give you?

5. Explain the eight directions and how you would use them to enrich your chi, ying/yang, and balance?

6. To maximize one of your eight directions in your space, please fill in the box that you feel you need to focus for your success in balance and calming your chi?

Place the eight directions in the space above

1. Creativity 5. Self -Motivation

2. Communication, water 6. Ambition, attention to detail
3. Savings, Motherhood 7. Leadership, wisdom

4. Public Recognition, Fame 8. Romance, entertainment

7. What is an arrow or corner, and what can it do to your chi?

8. How do you break an arrow so it is harmless?

9. Why should you not use mirrors in your bedroom where you sleep, or should you?

10. What are some favorable locations in your home, and how is it designed so that it can you enhance the room’s potency?

11. At your age and time of life (vitality), what direction should the foot of your bed point to maximize your chi and/or balance?

12. Where should your feet never point while you are sleeping?

13. Why should you never have reflective items and pictures of people in your bedroom?

14. Give three remedies for increasing wealth and success? (Hints: Desk, Pot, Bed)

a. ____________________________________________

b. ____________________________________________

c. ____________________________________________

15. Give three remedies for increasing calmness and enhance energy in the home?

a. _____________________________________________

b. _____________________________________________

c. _____________________________________________

(Hints: Colorful, alive, fluid)

Good Luck!

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Color Consultation and Design Fees

Color Consulting Fees

Interior or Exterior Paint Color
Consultation $125.00
One Exterior Color (Residential or
Commercial) $65.00
Sample Color Board $40.00 (11X17)
Exterior, Color Generated Scheme $50.00
Paper Color swatches FREE
(5x9 or 8x8; Shipped within 5-10 working days)
Interiors over 4000sq ft. with 4 colors $180.00
Interior/Exteriors over 4000sq ft. with 4 plus colors
(Call for Quote)
Color Samples & delivery $25.00

Re-Design/New Construction Fees:

In-Home Consultation
(Local area only; Los Angeles/Santa Clarita)

Per Consult--Material Consulting $75.00
(Cabinets, Counter tops, flooring, fixtures, lighting, etc.)
All Samples must be present at consult location
Shopping for Materials or Material
Samples (min. 1 hr) $50.00 hr*
Sample Material Design Board $60.00

(For Out of Area in Home Projects contact for Fees)

All fees are due to be paid at the time of the Service provided
unless agreed upon differently.

Services Payable by Cash Or Check.

Determine a Signature Style

As a professional, a design defines ones individualism as a designer. Before he or she determines a signature design, they need to understand standard design principles and offer an abstract concept that imbues a good design theory. Designers think about the styles that appeal to them when he or she views the design in a setting. s this signature style geared toward shabby chic or French country, modern or art deco, or last traditional and bohemian? Maybe as a designer, one keeps to crisp lines or tranquil harmony like Asian influenced Shibui. This negligible style of natural elements and neutral tones can capture a peaceful persona.

Most Designers will determine if there is a formal or informal interest for the client. This will aid in determining if a client is looking for a modern or traditional design with vertical lines and smooth textured surfaces. Whereas, a country or cottage design makes the client feel at home and relaxed. The client is more comfortable in a horizontal lined design because of the informality. A transitional style may suit the client because it is a style that mixes several designs that makes up a well designed eclectic style.

Choosing a style takes much to consider, and to determine what style he or she believes most comfortable, the designer’s research is a profitable investment. As a professional designer, the client will want to hire him or her for a consultation. This is the time for a designer to shine by showing the client how well he or she understands his or her trade. A well trained designer can easily interpret the client’s personal interests by conducting a professional interview and gaining a client profile to use in his or her design process.

This interview should always take place in the client’s home so the designer can obtain a feeling of the client’s design style.
After determining the preferred style, it does not hurt to introduce the interpretation of colors the designer believes will fit within the mix. The mix will consist of 60% of a light and neutral tone, 30% of a medium tone, and 10% of a dark tone or variety in color. With that point, the floor is the most common place to begin with because it is the largest foundation of space. With the floor as a large visual in design, the floor will help the designer identify the remainder of the design. With that in mind, the designer will design from the foundation up.

A professional designer will compare the client’s style with his or her signature style of design and create a median. Good design transcends time, and the client will look for this in the designer’s signature style. This authentic and ageless design will dictate whether the designer uses plush carpets, exotic hardwoods, or decorative stones. Whichever flooring the designer chooses, he or she will need to take permanence into consideration. The durability and quality should be a factor in this investment. A good foundation will create an aesthetic the client is looking for.

Once the foundation is set, the client will have the opportunity to share his or her thoughts with the designer so he or she can come up with a design style that shows the signature look the client is looking for. The next steps in the process would include color, fixtures, textiles, art, and accessories. These are the fun steps that create the signature style the client is dreaming for in his or her home. Whether the client wants to add a mixture of styles such as formal or informal, it will depend on developing a principle of abstract concepts and incorporating elements of design to embody the concept. When considering either formal or informal design styles, take circulation, and space planning into effect. The element of lines (vertical, horizontal, curved, or diagonal) can influence the design, but as a designer he or she will know to use lines for character interest, but have one line dominant in the style he or she chooses for the formal or informal look of the home. Many designers will design a more formal look over the informal appeal in living rooms and dining rooms, where most clients entertain, and where the rooms are separate from other spaces. Home theaters, family rooms, and bonus areas should have a casual theme to portray easy living. As the designer, common elements of design should group the different areas together. A common denominator is color, and it can be a perfect unifier for both styles.

As the designer follows the 60%-30%-10% rule, the amount of colors depends on the client’s tastes and lifestyle. By following this rule, the designer will stick to a color scheme of three colors throughout the residence. Colors should complement the style and should coordinate with one another. Designers will change color balance from room-to-room to influence style and character. In repetition, one color will dominate more than the other two colors to show accent for the foundation of the design in the home. A color palette has many color schemes to choose from and each can be quite attractive. The success of creating a proper color scheme is to make use of various textured surfaces. This can be achieved through the flooring, many pieces of upholstery, various wall treatments, and the gradation or opposition of accessories. This will add interest to the design and create a pleasing character that will transcend time for the client for years to come.

Patrick Tremblay

Selling a Staged Home

Staging successfully is a process of using a detailed checklist on ways that the homeowner can prepare their home before placing it on the market to sell.

When home staging is being done by the homeowner or a professional stager, there are steps that can yield a timely and profitable sale.

Dividing the steps into four stages:

making a good first impression, presenting each room well, removing clutter and cleaning, and attending to details during the home is being shown. These steps are the key issues that real estate agents have observed from various buyers as they look for their new home.

How to Make a Good First Impression with Home Staging

Create a good first impression by cleaning the entry and making sure the front of the home is appealing to the eye. The homeowner should change or brighten the address numbers, manage any unwanted webs or debris, pay close attention to the front door's appearance, and make sure to mow and trim the front yard to enhance the curb appeal.

The homeowner should make the entry and living room welcoming by removing any shoes and toys strewn on the floor. The homeowner should add a nice bouquet of flowers and make sure the lights are on to welcome the guests. Vacuum the floors and sweep. Fluff up any pillows and make sure the area is clean and clutter-free.

Presenting Rooms

When Selling a Home Kitchen:

Create a spotless kitchen by clearing off any appliances and making sure the counters are clean; washing the dishes and making sure they are put away. The homeowner can wipe off fingerprints and water spots from stainless steel and have a nice bowl of citrus to accent the room.

The master bedroom and bathroom:

Turn the master suite into a sanctuary or a place of peace and tranquility. The homeowner should make sure it is clutter-free, painted if need be, and with a nice set of bedding and pillows to show off the bed, which is usually the focal point of the room. By making the bedroom shine, the seller makes the buyer feel more comfortable about the potential space.

Because the master bath is an attachment to the master bedroom, by adding a nice set of towels in the master bath along with some specialty salts, with this the homeowner can impress the buyer. The homeowner may want to clean up the closet and reduce the contents to show the storage space better.

Present an exceptionally clean and fresh bathroom, by washing everything with a nice disinfectant cleaner, check and repair the shower stall for spots or mold. Clean the areas well and again change the towels, repair or replace the towel rods, replace the bar of soap or fill the soap bottle and have all of the toiletries put away and out of sight.

Maintain The Home During Home Staging.

Tidy all closets by clearing out the closet and pack away excess belongings. The homeowner can enlarge the closet by leaving 10% of the contents in the space. The homeowner should allow the closet floor to be empty as well as clean, and they should consider freshly painted walls and scuff marks repaired. This way the buyer or client remembers a large and clean closet space.

Brighten the walls if need be, add a nice neutral color to the walls and make sure that any wild colors are minimal. The homeowner must make sure any unsightly areas are clean and freshly painted to show off the home in a pristine manner. The homeowner ought to use the appropriate sheens for every space, and try to eliminate any outdated and worn-out wallpaper.

Reduce clutter to a minimum, the most important aspect of staging the home is by reducing any clutter that may be unsightly. The homeowner should make sure to pack everything up not being used and store it cleanly in the garage. Buyers want to envision their own items in the home. This is the key to a faster sell.

Attend to Details During the Market

Thoroughly prepare the garage, backyard and pet kennel by making sure that if the garage is full, pack up the belongings in boxes and make sure the space is organized. The homeowner is moving, after all, and they want to look as if they are ready to vacate the space. The homeowner should clean up the backyard, and hose it down to make the area fresh and clean. Mow the lawn and add some flowers to various areas to show character. The homeowner must make sure the kennel is clean and the animals are secure. The homeowner can leave a note for the real-estate agent and buyer if there are special instructions for felines or little dogs that like to wander off.

Create an attractive environment.

Many home buyers have very personal tastes; when a homeowner shows their home; they should remove any personal aspects of the family, and any religious or collecting habits. If the buyer has a clean slate to look at, they can perceive themselves in the home and not feel that they are taking something away from the homeowner.

Home stagers apply this staging strategy, and understand by experience that their clients can effectively prepare their homes and promote a quick and successful sale.

In today's tough market, the homeowner can use this process to partner with home stagers and real-estate agents to prepare the home and guarantee the sale of the home for the best price.

Patrick Tremblay

The Challenge of the Darrn

The Challenge of the Darrn
by Patrick S. Tremblay

The traditional Battle of Cyclo is upon the Planet Darr, and Prince Montserrat must defend his birthright– only he doesn’t know it.

Strong but tormented Prince Montserrat has never appreciated the freedom of peace until his time spent on the terra planet, Earth. When his retreat on Earth is interrupted by the one bounty hunter he fears the most, Montserrat leaves the planet to protect the human race.

Upon his return to Darr, Prince Montserrat has no wish to rule over the warring planet, and plans to escape once more. But Montserrat quickly changes his mind when he learns of his mother’s mysterious disappearance. With the help of his former lover and their oldest friend, Montserrat discovers the shocking truth about his mother’s fate and who is ultimately responsible for it.

Now plagued with the knowledge that his continued defiance could result in social and political ruin for his family, Montserrat’s vision becomes clear. He must give up his freedom in order to avenge his bloodline and triumph over the Darrn. Montserrat has no other choice but to fight in the Battle of Cyclo and take the throne; once and for all.

“This tale weaves lies with love, and treachery with truth, teaching one man the ultimate meaning of honesty, loyalty and duty.”

Patrick S. Tremblay

Available now

Tremblayisms

One step is all it takes...your journey will begin!

-Yal B. Mert

"TRY TO KEEP UP!"

-Amanda Tremblay

People are richly rude, facetious, and mean; mainly they are just unhappy so they want to spread the wealth.

-Yal B. Mert

Writing is the only way to say what you imagine, and then you can live up to it.

-Patrick Tremblay

"I write what I feel, not what I fear!"

-Patrick Tremblay

Your intelligence is not defined by your grades, but by your actions to complete your education.

-Patrick Tremblay

If you fail to plan; plan to fail.

-P.Tremblay

Don't say I'll try to do it; you have already accepted failure. 'I will do it!' That is the proper way to say it

-PT

Do you hear that whine?

It's a tiny violin,

Playing your theme Song.

-Mori Awanabe-Haiku Black Belt

Never write to someone and say, "I hope..." you sound unsure.

-Yal. B. Mert

You deserve what you accept.

-DVG, used by PST

If you announce, "Honestly" in the beginning of a statement, you are also announcing you are lying the rest of the time. Everything you say should be honest.

-Patrick Tremblay

Why worry? The majority of what you worry about, never happens.

-P. Tremblay

Never cheat, it robs you of your soul.

-Grandpa Figueroa

Welcome everyone as an acquaintance until you know them. Their actions will prove themselves worthy of friendship.

-Yal B. Mert

Give from the heart fully, whether it is time, love, money, or advice.

Yal. B. Mert

Don't borrow, but if you do, return it twice fold.

-Armando Figueroa, Patrick Tremblay

One shouldn't stir the pot too hard, because sometimes the cook is the person who gets burned first.

-Patrick Tremblay

More doors will open in your future when you apply a softer knock.

-Patrick Tremblay

When faced with a challenge, I like to ask why not, whereas others only ask Why?

-Yal B. Mert

When I was a kid, we were so poor that we had rich week and poor week. Rich week was payday night. Poor week was all the days before Rich week!

-Steve Tremblay

Follow your heart; if it takes a detour, still follow, it knows where it is going.

-PTremblay

Let's be honest, there are at least 100 designers that are better than I am, but there are Thousands that are worse!

-Patrick Tremblay, Owner Tremblay House of Design

With maturity comes unwanted responsibility, but you can not have one without the other.

-Patrick Tremblay

"That is so wrong... I love it!"

-Patrick Tremblay

"Be good, and if you can't be good, be good at being bad!"

-Yal B. Mert

"Parenting sucks. Not mine...everyone elses!"

-Patrick Tremblay

Say sorry immediately, but mean it first!

-Yal B. Mert

Speak to the left with dishonesty; speak to the right when unsure; and speak straight-ahead from the heart.

-Patrick Tremblay

I will begin my life today, and try everyday until I am happy!

-Yal B. Mert

When someone asks, "What's your name again?" They won't remember again, because they don't care.

-Observation from PTremblay

I am glad stupid has a tendency to gravitate around others constantly, and around me sparingly.

"I just don't have the patience for stupid!"

-Told to PST by a good friend

His art ranges from early impressionist to WTF!

From the TV show Grimm

I am using this

-PSTremblay

Life should not be a journey to the grave with intention of arriving safely in an attractive and well-preserved body; but rather to skid in sideways, champagne in one hand, strawberries in the other, body thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and Screaming, "WOO-HOO...What a ride!"

-Yal B. Mert; Unknown

You need to learn Patrick if you want to understand me!

-Patrick Tremblay

What a FREAK! That is all it takes to sum up one's behavior.

-Patrick Tremblay

Color Consulting and Design

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Tuesday, February 18, 2014

The Home Stager's Tools of the Trade

Feng Shui: Basic Bacua Fundamental Quiz

Benjamin Moore Paints

Behr Paints

Purdy Corporation

Color du Jour

Sherwin-Williams Paints

Dunn Edwards Paint

Corona Paint Brushes

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