Get Your Outdoor Dialed In! That's an order...

It's still cold here in Seattle so we move much slower when it comes to prepping our outdoor spaces. I am here to push you now to get it all ordered and ready for the sunny days.

I am all about bright Melamine plates and platters, plastic tumblers and a sassy tray for them to sit. I love the farm table look with lanterns and candles. Love lightweight planters filled with color and fragrance brought close to your seating area for that cozy vibe. And it all looks better with the lights strung above. I suggest a basket filled with blankets or throws for when the cool evening sets in and the conversations are just getting juicy-it keeps your guests warm and happy.

Have fun shopping some of my favorite items!

Orders $65 and over use: FREESHIP65 for free shipping.

Next week I will help you with planting your containers. It's all about companion planting for greenery, fragrance and color.  Let me know if you have any gardening questions that I can help with. 

Now focus on your outdoor space!

Mercer Island Fab!

Whoa Nellie, this is a great new construction view home. We were pleased with the staging result but in full disclosure, some of the furniture is the home owners, who, I might add, have incredible taste. Their pieces set the tone and we tried to meet that fabulousness. (Not a word, I know, but it works!) The sectional in the lower level you sink into and go into relaxation mode. We all had to take a 1.5 minute break to revel in the delicious comfort of it.

The listing is by an over-the-top detailed agent Shelly Zhou for Coldwell Banker Bain, the fabulous photos are by John Wilbanks at JWphoto and the staging is by us at Open House Staging. 

Palm Springs Vacay Time

I am departing from staging and decorating for a moment of travel talk. Been away on vacation but I am back and inspired!

We have this favorite pocket of Palm Springs where we love to stay. It keeps you just blocks from all the downtown energy. Most of these hotels have bikes to share so you can ride in that warm Cali sun.

My sister, Tara, is the Queen of hotels. When you travel with her you take a back seat. She will check out the room, location and make the necessary changes if it is not on par. That comes from her years in the hotel industry.

Had to do this all on my own this time. For me simple is fine but stylish is a must.  

Our last week in Palm Springs was a 10! We stayed at the Avalon Hotel. Where guests fetch their coffee in their fluffy hotel bathrobes, yoga is happening on a balcony, couples are sitting on their lanai planning their day ahead and others lounging poolside reading the newspaper. Incredibly intimate. You do not have to search for a lounge chair because they have 3 beautiful pools-plenty for everyone. Life there just slowly plays out before you...

Avalon Hotel

It's my 3rd time here and I really do want to return but not until I try the hotels below that I found to be just as lovely in their own distinct way. Here is where we stay next:

The Three Fifty Hotel

I met the owner/designer because I got caught stalking the grounds trying to get photos. She took time with us and showed us around. I am sold!

If you phone the hotel personally and use "LOYAL20" they will give you a 20% room discount.

Del Marcos Hotel

This is another fun hotel in that same pocket of Palm Springs that I love. Give me a white bed and I am all good. 

Again, if you phone or book the hotel personally and use "LOYAL20" they will give you a 20% room discount.

La Serena Villas

I got the impression this place would be expensive but it is right in with the others. Love the decor in their restaurant Azucar-especially if you are a Frida Kahlo fan. The pool is beautiful and the rooms are perfectly dreamy.

Use the "Loyal20" code here as well for the 20% discount on your room. Awesome, right?

][photos from the hotel websites and my iphone][

Now,back to the really serious business of staging...

The Lucite Collection

Back in the day (circa 1975) my cousin had a white acrylic desk and chair. It was so edgy and modern. I asked my mother if I could have new furniture like hers and she said NO. I had to stick with an antique white painted wood set with kelly green and royal blue painted trim.

Well, I have made up for lost time purchasing several Lucite pieces for my grown up home.

Take that Mother!

Click & Shop!

I have done all the shopping for you, all you have to do is Click and Shop!

Dreamy Waterfront Townhouse

Listed by Brenda Rosellini and Alta Strayhan for Windermere Real Estate, the fab photos are by Andrew O'Neill from Clarity Northwest and the staging was done by us at Open House Staging.

Click & Shop!

A Curated Collection of Kid Art

This is a BIG hint to my shopping sister to purchase some new art for our kid rooms. She is quite busy so I thought I would bring the art to her. I love so many of these pieces that I had to share them with anyone inspired to freshen their space. 

Click & Shop!

Capitol Hill Staging

 Listing is by Padraic Jordan for Windermere Real Estate, the photographer is Vista Estate Imaging and the staging is by Open House.

HGTV Restored by the Fords

Your design inspiration assignment for the week is to watch this show. A few of us Stager Girls are loving it. 

HAPPY WEEKEND!

Photo by High Entertainment for Pittsburg Gazzette

I just watched an episode of Restored by the Ford's and loved it! It is a sister and brother team remodeling their way through Pittsburgh. She dreams up creative design ideas and he makes it happen. She reuses and re-purposes pieces from the home or even has floors patched up. Which is a look all on it's own. Her vibe is a "modern yet lived in" look. And white is her favorite "go-to" color.

“We search out Pittsburgh for the coolest homes, the stranger, the weirder, the more unique, the better,” Steve said. “And then Leanne comes in and puts her spin on it, and I go to work.” By: Jessica Galliart for HGTV

Photo: Heather Mull

This is the project I saw unfold on the show.

Photographer: Alexandra Ribar

Photographer: Alexandra Ribar

Photographer: Alexandra Ribar

Photographer: Alexandra Ribar

Give it a watch and prepare to be inspired.

Cedar Park Neighborhood

Here is some inspiration for you. Just Click & Shop!

This home is listed by Jasno Viydo for Windermere Real Estate, photography by Jason Merico and staging by Open House.

Finally! These Chairs are on Sale

These fabulous chairs from Wisteria can go anywhere and make a statement. Picture them as the host and hostess chairs at the end of the dining table, or a beautiful desk chair, or perhaps flanking a console, or a pop of brightness in the corner of a room, right smack in the entry, or around a kitchen table and on and on and on.

To get your own: Click & Shop!

City Livin'

Just finished this gem of a townhouse in one of Seattle's uber hip neighborhoods: Fremont. This is the perfect Car2Go area as everything and I mean everything is in walking distance. Plus with the Lime bikes all over the area who needs a car?! The garage is just icing on the cake. 

If ya want the look just Click & Shop!

The listing is by Bentley Pugh for Keller Williams North Seattle. Photographs by Sean Henderson at 3DRE and the hipster staging was done by us Stager Girls at Open House.