International Institute Of Home Staging

Naomi

Why Lamps are Essential in Your Styling

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I’m a big believer that no matter how gorgeous your interiors are; without light, there is no life.

That’s why I  am a huge fan of lamps in all shapes and sizes. They can light up your space and create a completely different atmosphere.

Here’s some different types of lamps you can use when you style your next property!

Table Lamps

I love using table lamps in my styling, especially in bedrooms and living spaces.

Not only can they look divine, they give you an alternative form of light to windows or ceiling lights, and allow you to create a more calm and relaxing mood.

Table Lamps

Occasional Lamps

These types of lamps are slightly different to table lamps – they are usually bigger and much more opulent.

I use these to make a statement and usually opt for ceramic or metallic styles to really create the wow factor.

Desk Lamps

These are all about function to help you work and are usually smaller than a standard table lamp.

Use them to add warmth to your work space and layering to your desk.

Desk Lamp

Floor Lamps

These look great next to an accent chair or behind the couch in the living room.

They add another level of lighting for extra ambience in a space that can be for entertaining or just lounging around for a movie night!

That’s it! The best part about lamps is that they’re not permanent fixtures! You can move them around and change them out each season as your tastes change.

5 Spaces to Hang a Pendant Light

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There are so many amazing pendant lights on the market that the days of only having downlights should be long gone!

I sat down with Jen Bishop from Interiors Addict to talk about what spaces you can hang pendant lights in to create interest and mood lighting in your home.

Here’s 5 spaces we came up with that you might not have thought of:

1. The Bathroom

Adding pendant lights over the bathroom vanity can create a gorgeous softness to the bathroom.

Opt for low voltage options and your bathroom will feel more like a retreat than a cold, sterile space.

Pendant Light
Image via House of Home

2. The Living Room

Our living room is the place we wind down to watch TV with the family. For this reason, I would recommend adding a pendant light to the back corner of the room at about chest height.

It’s the perfect way to create mood lighting and add interest behind the couch without it being in the way of the TV!

3. The Dining Room

I love the look of a pendant light hanging over the dining table – it just feel so complete.

Just be certain that your dining table is going to stay in that position for a few years to come because it’s not easy to move the lighting around.

Pendant
Image via Early Settler

 

4. The Bedroom

Free up some space on your bedside tables and hang pendant lights above your bed instead of using lamps.

You could have two either side or hang one over the bedhead in the middle – it will look divine and save you so much space.

5. Outdoor Area

And one of our most forgotten spaces is the outdoors! Pendant lights can really bring this space together and give it the final touch so it feels like an additional living/dining space.

There’s even pendant options that have a fixed rod instead of a chain so you don’t need to worry about swinging!

Try hanging a pendant light in one of these spaces and see the instant transformation for yourself!

Check out my full interview with Jen Bishop on The Reno Show here!

10 Top Business Books for Success

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Reading has been noted as one of the primary habits of ultra-successful people and as business owners in the home staging industry, we seek this success in all it’s shapes and forms.

So here’s 10 business books from Entrepreneur’s top 20 that will change your mindset and inspire you to chase that dream that made you start in the first place.

Books for success

1. “Option B: Facing Adversity, Building Resilience, and Finding Joy,” by Sheryl Sandberg and Adam Grant.

As the No. 1 New York Times bestseller, this book is by the Facebook COO and best-selling author of “Lean In.”

Sandberg has returned with Wharton School psychologist Grant to discuss how she persevered after the loss of her husband. This compelling book offers stories and tips on managing and overcoming hardship, and it’s excellent inspiration for overcoming any type of life hurdle.

2. “Superconnector: Stop Networking and Start Building Business Relationships That Matter,” by Scott Gerber and Ryan Paugh.

“Superconnector” is the next stage in the evolution of networking, thanks to changes shaped by social media. It explores the set of habits where networkers should focus their energies, as superconnecting is about truly understanding the power that comes from building certain relationships.

This book aims to move you beyond bad networking habits and toward a “profit mindset” that involves taking a different approach to connecting with others.

3. “Leading Through the Turn: How a Journey Mindset Can Help Leaders Find Success and Significance,” by Elise Mitchell.

This book provides you with direction on how to become what Mitchell terms a “destination leader with a journey mindset.” To show you how to develop that mindset, she shares stories and interviews with successful leaders.

This is an excellent guide on how you can achieve personal and professional goals and also gain strategies for approaching the coming year.

4. “Surviving the Tech Storm: Strategy in Times of Technological Uncertainty,” by Nicklas Bergman.

Bergman offers a framework to help you understand why technology is causing uncertainty, how to look past the ambiguity and see the opportunities, and how to track the megatrends that will continue to change business.

The book provides a step-by-step approach to analyzing emerging technologies, assessing business implications, and adapting to a new and uncertain environment, potentially putting you ahead of others in your industry.

5. “They Ask, You Answer,” by Marcus Sheridan.

The book relates the story of how Sheridan’s company used content marketing to rise from the brink of bankruptcy during the 2008 economic crisis. Sheridan’s success has turned him into a highly sought-after speaker and a trusted voice in digital marketing and sales. The book will help you get a complete picture on how to integrate marketing and sales for an effective content strategy.

6. “Radical Candor: Be a Kick-Ass Boss Without Losing Your Humanity,” by Kim Scott.

Do you manage a team? “Radical Candor” is an important book that helps put the role of a boss into perspective, especially for those who run virtual teams and don’t often see the talent.

The book includes practical suggestions and tips that will yield positive change for you and your team.

7. “You Are a Badass at Making Money: Master the Mindset of Wealth,” by Jen Sincero.

Sincero’s fun-to-navigate finance manifesto will challenge you to think differently about how to make money and to develop a mindset of wealth.

So many people want to do better with their personal finances or reach better financial decisions for their businesses, and most fail. But this book will make you address the mental obstacles standing between you and your desired income.

8. “The Captain Class: The Hidden Force That Creates the World’s Greatest Teams,” by Sam Walker.

This book enhances how you develop, manage, or work on a team. Walker devised and applied a formula about teams that has been tested and has worked on teams all over the world, from Olympic teams and the NBA to the English Premier League.

In looking at team captains, Walker realized how successful teams worked and used that to devise a winning formula. You can leverage the insights here to become a captain or identify those who fit that description so they can lead your company to greater success.

9. “Real Artists Don’t Starve: Timeless Strategies for Thriving in the New Creative Age,” by Jeff Goins.

This book is made for the freelancer or those considering moving into business for themselves. Originally, people thought you couldn’t make money from creative careers. However, creativity is now embraced and rewarded financially.

Goins provides a number of strategies that those in the freelance economy can embrace, including to steal from your influencers, collaborate with others, and apprentice under a master.

10. “Learn Better: Mastering the Skills for Success in Life, Business, and School, or, How to Become an Expert in Just About Anything,” by Ulrich Boser.

Our approach to learning usually involves memorizing facts, dates, and details — but this approach doesn’t always work. Instead, better learning comes from simple techniques described in this book that will help you become an expert in your field.

The experience and advice from these books will give you the push you need to be successful in business over the next year. Start with one and make your way down the list – with the right mindset, the possibilities for you and your business are endless!

How Stone Products Can Help Increase A Home’s Value

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Post by Nicole Andrews, marketing manager for Euro Marble

Like other assets, you can increase your home’s value with a few investments and a bit of hard work. If you’re looking to sell your home, installing natural stone products is a smart investment as it raises the value of your property over time. Some of the stone materials you can use include:

  • Granite
  • Marble
  • Quartzite
  • Limestone
Euro Marble Benchtop
Image via Euro Marble. Architectural works: David Selden Design

All of these natural stones are high-quality building materials. They can be used in a wide array of applications both indoors and outdoors. Here, you’ll know why stone products make an excellent investment, how much they cost, and how you can use these materials for home staging.

Why Can Stone Products Add More Value to Your Home?

Stone products can raise the economic value of any home. How, you ask? Let’s look at five good reasons why natural stones can improve the overall value of your property.

  • Stones are natural materials

 Stone products such as granite, marble, and limestone are natural components of the Earth. They have an abundant supply with varying colours and textures. They don’t contain pollutants or toxic chemicals that are hazardous to your health.

  • Natural stones are durable

Genuine natural stones are quite hard and durable if sealed properly. They are also less susceptible to decay, cracks, and scratches, making them ideal materials for countertops. Compared to manufactured products like porcelain and ceramic tiles, natural stones endure the tests of time, bringing long-term value to your home.

  • Natural stones are easy to clean and maintain

Some building materials need to be regularly painted or sealed to keep them looking great over the years. Aside from being easy to clean, stone products don’t require a lot of maintenance, which means you don’t have to regularly spend so much money to maintain these parts of your home.

  • Natural stones age well

Like a fine wine, stone products improve with age. Even though they don’t require as much maintenance as other building materials, natural stones can last a lifetime. With the right construction and maintenance, your stone products can attain their full elegance as they age.

  • Natural stones have enduring beauty

No two stone products are exactly alike. They come in a variety of colours, patterns, and textures, which are almost impossible to replicate, making them ideal for an exciting array of applications. Due to their unique character, grandeur, and durability, your home won’t look like any other house on the block. It will reflect your personal taste, character, and creativity.

Euro Marble
Image via Euro Marble

How Much Do Stone Products Cost?

Many homeowners are hesitant to invest in natural stones as the cost of these products, compared to other building materials, can be quite expensive. What most people don’t realize is that natural stones raise the property’s value and that its quality is unrivalled.

The cost of stone products depends on a number of factors: the type of material, quality, shape, color, and density.

Listed below are a few stone products worth considering with their average costs.

  • Marble

Known for its unique colours, patterns, and iridescent glow, marble tiles require quite an investment. By understanding the advantages it offers, you can certainly raise the value of your home for the years to come.

The average cost of lower-end marble tiles cost $5 to $7 per square foot, while middle-grade marble costs about $8 to $11 per square foot. Higher grade marble flooring with special finishes cost $10 per square foot. Specialized marble tiles with custom polishes, paint, and engraving may range from $30 to $50 per square foot.

Marble Euro Marble
Image via Euro Marble. Featured Product – Calcatta Viola
  • Granite 

Granite is elegant enough to decorate the countertops of your kitchen, but it’s also durable enough to adorn your outdoor space. Since it comes with a wealth of colour and pattern options, you won’t have trouble finding the perfect one for your space.

A white granite tile costs around $40 to $60 per square foot on average, while a black granite costs about $20 to $70 per square foot. A rare and exotic stone, red granite has an average price of $65 per square foot.

How Do You Add Value to Your Home with Natural Stone?

Are you ready to spruce up your home? Discover home staging opportunities that will surely raise the value of your property.

  • Outdoor spaces

Stone products work well outdoors. Using natural stones walkways will accentuate the façade of your home and makes your property appear grand. You can also use stone products to enhance the garden. Natural stones make your outdoor space more appealing to potential buyers. Without a doubt, well-maintained gardens will catch the attention of your prospects.

Here are some areas that you can spruce up with natural stones:

    • Walkways and driveways
    • Stone patios
    • Fire pits
    • Plant containers
Image via Euro Marble
Image via Euro Marble
  • Interior facilities

 You don’t need a complete overhaul to improve your home’s value. You can focus on the rooms that matter most to a homeowner: the bathroom and the kitchen. If potential buyers are looking at your property, they will consider these facilities. If you renovate and add modern amenities, you can significantly increase your property’s value.

Here are some of the features you might want to enhance:

    • Countertops
    • Washbasin tops
    • Cabinet tops

 

  • Interior flooring

Another way to add value to your home is by enhancing your interior flooring with stone products. There are a lot of perks to having natural stone floors. Aside from the natural beauty they exude, the stone products make your floors durable and easy to care for.

Takeaway

It’s safe to say that every homeowner wants to add more value to their property. There are so many different ways to do this, but installing natural stones in your home is perhaps the smartest choice you can make.

Natural stones might require a bigger investment compared to other building materials. However, due to its ease of maintenance, enduring beauty, and permanence, the value of your stone products will exceed your initial investment in the long run. If you want to raise your property’s value, natural stones are the best way to do it.

Author Bio: Nicole Andrews is the marketing manager for Euro Marble in Sydney, Australia. With a background in interior design, she enjoys writing about the latest industry trends. In her spare time, she walks her dog Rusco down at Bondi Beach.

How to Choose the Perfect Art

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We know art can bring so much life to a space.

Whether it’s adding interest to a room, bringing in a pop of colour, or replacing a TV – art can be a beautiful addition to any home.

But like most things, there are so many options out there that it can be hard to decide what art work will look great in your space!

What size, colour, theme, frame, height, type should you choose?!!!!

Don’t let the options overwhelm you – let the style of your space and your own favourite things influence your decision so you choose the right art every time.

Here’s 6 things that will help you choose the perfect art work!

1. Consider scale

If your space has a huge wall, you need huge art – it’s as simple as that.

If your space is smaller, you only need a smaller piece. For bigger spaces, you can also use complimentary art and have two or three or more on the wall – get creative!

how to choose art

2. Trust your instincts

What do you love? What do you connect with?

Trust your gut and choose art that catches your eye. You won’t regret it if you love it.

how to choose art

3. Use the internet

These days, you don’t have to view art in a gallery (although I still enjoy doing this).

Check out phenomenal artists from your local area or go worldwide and search for beautiful art around the world – the options are endless with the internet and social media!

4. Go black and white

Let’s face it, monochrome goes with everything. If you’re choosing art, especially in home staging, try sticking to black and white prints.

They’re easy to mix and match and can look both super modern or classic – it’s a win win.

5. Be bold, be brave

If you’re looking to really make a splash with your art, why not consider mixing up traditional and slightly modern pieces together.

It can make your space feel extra unique when done well.

how to choose art

6. Remember, art is not just painting

Open your mind and look around…art is everywhere!

It can be photography, hand drawings, even things you’e created yourself. Paintings are beautiful but they are not your only option.

So that’s it – just start!

Art is so affordable now, it doesn’t need to be a large investment. Choose art you love with the above advice and make your space look and feel amazing!

How to Create Vignettes

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Are you confused or scared of vignettes?

Or better yet, are you wondering: “what on earth IS a vignette?”

Never fear – I am here to de-myth the glorious vignette that is ever so simple and effective when styled well!

A vignette is just a story of styling elements on a side, dining or coffee table.

Here’s 7 tips to get you started:

Tip 1: Find the light

Always style your vignette around a light source.

Otherwise no one will see it!

Styling Vignettes

Tip 2: Be guided by your style

Let the items chosen for your vignette be guided by style of your room and home.

For example, if you have a traditional style, use even numbers.

If it’s a more relaxed vibe – mix it up with odd numbers.

 

Tip 3: Get colourful

Use pops of colour that you love or work with seasonal trends, you can change it up as your taste changes.

vignettes styling

Tip 4: Style in odd numbers

If you don’t have a traditional styled home, I always recommend creating vignettes in 3, 5 or 7’s for big spaces!

Tip 5: Tall and short

Vary the height of the items used in your vignette.

You can use a pedestal or stack of books to bring them up to height if needed.

vignettes styling

Tip 6: Create depth

Vary the depth of your vignette to create interest – there should be no straight lines!

Tip 7: Texture, texture, texture!

Incorporate different textures into your vignette.

Mix it up with natural materials, metallics, gold, glass and matte.

vignettes styling

There you have it! Everything you need to no longer be scared or confused by vignettes – enjoy!

5 Hacks to Help You Choose Your Cushions

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Have you ever struggled to find the right cushions for your couch?

Some stylists make it look so effortless – and it can be! That’s why I’ve put together my top 5 hacks for choosing the right cushions that will take your living space to the next level.

  1. Identify your colour palette

how to choose cushions

Have a look around your living space. Look at the walls, carpet, lounge and curtains – what colours are present?

Keep this close when you choose your scatter cushions – opt for 1 or 2 solid colours, then add ones with different textures and patterns.

2. Let your style dictate your cushions

how to choose cushions

What style is your home? If you have a traditional theme, opt for an even number of cushions with one large one at each end and a smaller one in front of it.

If you have a more casual, contemporary or eclectic vibe, incorporate an uneven number of cushions and none that are matching.

3. Mix up your shapes and sizes

how to choose cushions

Gone are the days when we have to have the same shape and size on our lounges.

It’s all about different sizes and shapes – matchy matchy is no longer the way to go.

4. Add some texture

how to choose cushions

Not keen for multiple coloured cushions? That’s okay, just stick with one specific colour way and then use different textures and patterns.

You’ll be blown away by the result!

5. Have a few variations for different seasons

how to choose cushions

Want a more relaxing feel in winter when you’re lounging around the house? But don’t want to give up some of your favourite cushions all year round?

Add some punches with pops of colour and patterns during the warmer seasons – then you can put out your more muted palettes when you make the switch in winter – or vice versa!

 

5 Tips to Create the Perfect Private Sanctuary

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It’s so easy to get caught up in the busy day-to-day routine…most of us forget to schedule time in for ourselves even though this results in more productivity and creativity when we get back to work.

This is why it’s a great idea to create a room just for you, a room where you can listen to music, write, read your favourite book – anything that helps you to relax!

Today I want to help you create your own personal sanctuary. You might think having an hour to yourself every few days isn’t important but it is! We need to revitalize our body by having rest days and making relaxation a priority – that way you can perform better in business and in life! So here’s my top 5 tips for creating a relaxing retreat for yourself.

Step 1.  Get Rid Of All That Clutter!

Have you ever noticed when you are surrounded by too much ‘stuff’ you feel lazy, confined and not to mention unclean? It’s a fact then when you are surrounded by clutter your energy is down! Take out everything you don’t use that is just getting covered in dust and keep only what you really need or really want in your special space.

Create a Sanctuary
Image via Style Curator

Step 2. Freshen UP!

What colour makes you smile? Consider what shades are in style this month and add a pop of it  into your space using paint or some removable wallpaper for that extra bit of style. If you don’t have time to do that, go out and purchase some colourful cushions, throws and artwork (or make your own) to liven up a bland room. Add some colourful flowers just to finish off.

Step 3. Turn off that phone!

You are in YOUR space, trying to forget about the rest of the world. A phone ringing will bring you out of that Zen state straight away! So no Telephones, Computers, TV’s or IPads! So what if one of your guilty pleasures is watching your soap operas? That’s okay,  just make sure you turn off the TV as soon as it’s over! It signals too much stimulation and not enough relaxation.

Outdoor Space Sanctuary
Image via Interiors Addict

Step 4. Smells too good to be true.

When you have your favourite candle burning, it immediately sends you to a happy place. An amazing scent can help you feel relaxed and pampered. So make sure you have a selection off candles, oils or incenses to aid in the indulging.

Step 5. It isn’t a cell!

Ever noticed when you sit out in the sun for 5 minutes you feel better? Bringing natural light into your space is important as nature has a relaxing effect on us, it’s also good to get some vitamin D!  So put an armchair under a window or even a sun bed and soak it all up!

Enjoy!

Do you love these style tips? Click here to check out my Pinterest board for more style inspiration!

Storage Solutions for Your Home Staging Business with National Storage

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Hi team, Naomi Findlay here!

We all love to hate the storage industry.

It can often feel like the bane of our existence because we have to manage it so much in this logistics heavy industry.

Pardon the pun, but sometimes stock can feel really heavy on our business.

That’s why I am joined today by Brooke Gillham, from National Storage, to talk about how you can increase the flexibility of your storage solutions.

If you’re looking to ease the burden of managing stock levels in your business, click HERE to listen to my full chat with Brooke.

Naomi x

Are you coming to the 2019 National Home Staging Symposium? You’re in luck! Brooke will be there to answer all your questions about storage solutions for the home staging industry! 

Simple Styling Hacks for Flowers

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With a change in season I find myself scrolling images for inspiration. Sometimes people think when winter comes around, you can’t have fresh flowers – totally not the case!

I love a beautiful arrangements of flowers. They can be used to either make a statement or to just add a touch of greenery to a room. Adding a touch of flowers can add a different element to the space, for example, making an area more cheerful, adding a hint of fragrance, adding a pop of colour or to even compliment or enhance the current style/design within the space.

The beauty of it all is there are no hard rules on how or where you choose to incorporate flowers. You can add them in your kitchen, living, dining or even your bathroom. The look you want to create can differ depending on whether you choose long and thin flowers or short and rounded shaped ones. You may find yourself varying the look and feel as the flowers need changing to truly create your own personal touch knowing you haven’t spent a lot of money.

Image from Homemaking cottage
Image from Savor Home Blog
Image from Hgtv.com
Image from Alison Royer

The images included are some of my inspiring shots where the use of flowers complimented the entire design of the room.

Want to find even more gorgeous things to add to your spaces? Come shopping with me in Bali for my Buying Tour in August 2019! Click here to find out more!

How To Improve Your Business’ SEO with Jayne Day

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Hi everyone, Naomi Findlay here!

If you have been to one of our International Institute of Home Staging events before you know exactly who the incredible Jayne Day is.

If you haven’t been, Jayne is IIHS’s preferred Search Engine Optimisation (SEO) preferred partner and expert.

I caught up with Jayne this week to break down exactly what SEO is, and how you can incorporate it into your home staging business.

If you’re ready to get your business to the top of Google search results, click HERE to hear my full chat with Jayne.

Naomi x

Are you a home stager? Want to boost your career? Come to the National Home Staging Symposium! Click below!

Create a Divine Dining Space

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Creating the perfect dining space is something we can all achieve and guess what?! It doesn’t need to be done with a big budget!

Many families or households don’t take the time to regularly use the dining table as a chance to get together and enjoy a good meal and great company.

Dining spaces can be designed to accommodate each household’s lifestyle and taste. From a small family breakfast table to a large formal dinner, there are no set rules as to what you can and cannot include in your dining space. As long as your end result is a space that feels inviting and comfortable.

Some examples of items you could include in different dining areas could be:

Something traditional or conservative…

  • a timeless timber table and chairs
  • timber buffet styled with simple candles and/or vases
  • Contemporary artwork or mirror

Something modern or eclectic…

  • a white timber table
  • colourful chairs
  • quirky console table styled with plenty of fun personal touches
  • modern artwork or unique wall feature

 

Image via House Beautiful
Image via Theinspiredroom.net
Image via Douglasfriedman.net

 

With the styling industry ever evolving and many of us wanting to keep up with these changes, we can be pleased to know that sourcing that ‘must have’ item is achievable. The current market caters for all budgets with less expensive items to very costly, it really depends on what you’re after and what you’re wanting to spend.

Either way knowing you can create a space that has been designed and styled specifically for you should mean plenty of enjoyable times will be spent around the dining table, in style!

Are you following me on Instagram? Check out my favourite designs @naomifindlayofficial 

Do you own your own home staging company? Why not check out our business resources like Standard Operating Procedure templates? They’re the perfect way to improve your processes and procedures!