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How to spend $ 85.00

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Patio 2011 006 

Long week-end and a sunny day made me work to beautify my patio. The work is still in progress but almost done for now. As they say on HGTV the total cost of the project was $ 85.00, not counting the labour…which most of the time is the most expensive part, but in this case the labour (me) took only two hours between sourcing, buying, painting.
The mirrors were bought in a discount store, they are very inexpensive and may even last a few years, they went from black to aqua color in 1 hour. Fun to try different arrangements until I find the right larger acrylic mirrors for my patio. I am looking for some that may resemble a door leading to another secret garden.

Mirrors can really do magic things.

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I found by chance Sunbrella vivid turquoise pillows  heavily discounted, I bought hot pink impatient for a few dollars at the corner store.
The table base, wrought iron, was found a year ago in my lane…with a glass top it became my favorite place to have breakfast, weather permitting of course! I only wish I had more space for a larger glass top but so far dinner for two was never a problem.

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Mirrors expand the small patio, instantly doubling all my plants and creating some focal points. Did I say that all the trellises were also found in my lane? They were black but with a can of color they blend with the  walls. My friends now call me “The Dame of the lane” but I always loved to go to garage sales and flea markets to find things I love for a few dollars (I actually found quite valuable pieces for almost nothing and the hunt  itself is exciting).

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A friend is coming for coffee…

©2011 Brillante Interiors writes about new trends, timeless decor, iconic pieces, design ideas, or at times just musing about "a certain Italian way of doing things".


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How to photograph your house and sell it fast

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If you are looking at real estate online to buy a new place or to compare your house to others already for sale you know that you are immediately attracted to some images, compelled to read further and see more images of that listing.
I find that interiors shot are the most appealing when choosing the right angle, the right light, the right atmosphere so they can induce the potential client to make an appointment with the agent, the first step leading to a transaction.
But of course images alone will not sell the house, you need to take further steps to make the experience pleasurable, more on that in a future post.
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Let’s talk about presenting the house online, the above image shows a  well presented room and you feel the space, it was most probably taken by a skilled photographer, but usually pictures are taken by the real estate agent, many times in a hurry, with a point and shoot camera, often not presenting the best features of your house.
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See what I mean? This house is listed today for $ 5,000,000, who took the picture?
And why was it part of the listing images?

What to do? Either you hire a professional interior photographer who preferably has also some experience in interior design and staging, like myself, or you can try your best in preparing the house before the real estate agent takes pictures.
Here are some tips because we know buyers want spacious homes or at least the sense of space in a great layout:

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De-clutter
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De-clutter more
1.  Remove all items you will not need until you move to your next place, pack away most of books, family pictures, collections and in a word “de-clutter”. You will be moving soon, hopefully, so why not simplify the process now giving away items, clearing closets and so on.

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2. Remove all rugs and keep the floor clear, that alone will make your rooms look larger in a picture.


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Unidentified objects obstructing walkways, including a waste basket.
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3. Arrange furniture so they don’t block views or passages and move to a storage too large pieces, table, sofa, chairs… pianos and laces…replacing them  with  smaller ones, this way you are really showing the square footage.


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Empty room
4. Strange but true an empty room looks smaller than it is, so try to fill an empty space with furniture you may have in other rooms or bring in items from a staging company.


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Darkness reigns!
5. Before pictures are taken turn on all the lights, open the drapes and let the light come in, every room will look more spacious and attractive.


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6. Last but not least…make the bed!
This is not the way to present your house… the last 2 no-no pictures I found on a real estate agent website, let’s not name names.   Price listing for this house? $ 8,995,000… yes…almost NINE million dollars.
What were they thinking?

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Another house, picture taken at a good angle, bed well done, a nice view, I would have lit the fireplace though!
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Same house, pleasant living room, appealing to many viewers, no clutter, a great view and a lit fireplace!


Finally a few words for the exterior photographs and I am sure you will agree with me:
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A nice house selling at $ 4,400,000 but a bit sad looking I think!  I may be tempted to skip this listing…

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Same price as above but don’t you see more appeal? I now would like to see the interior of this welcoming house.

I gave just a few examples of how to and how not to present a house with photographs for the online market, especially if the selling price is astronomical, but at any price range just a few clever adjustments can make a huge difference.

Did I make my point? So call me if you need my help!

You can also read my previous post “How to stage your apartment for sale” clicking HERE.

Photography source

©2011 Brillante Interiors writes about new trends, timeless decor, iconic pieces, design ideas, or at times just musing about "a certain Italian way of doing things".

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Sun or shade

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We are waiting all winter for the sun to appear and then…when the sun shines… we want shade!
See how strange we are?!
Let’s get inspired and find here what we need, space permitting, to create some shade areas and some privacy from our neighbors.

Some choices are…

outdoor  umbrella Emu
Emu Shade large cantilever umbrella (and Emu outdoor furniture).


Oasis by Roda outdoor
Collection Oasis designed by Rodolfo Dordoni for Roda,  teak structure and fabric that can be manually and easily moved up or down.


Landscape by Kettal outdoor
 Same concept for Landscape pergola by Kettal (outdoor furniture by the same company).


retractable awnings
Retractable awnings are always useful, also in case of rainy summer days.


Unosider retractable awnings
For a more rustic ambiance here is the pergola Acquavite by Unosider.  The roof moves horizontally retracting to permit lunch in the shade and dinner under the moon.


multiscreen system outdoor by April Alterior furniture
April Alterior furniture presents the movable multiscreen  system ShangriLa which can create shade and privacy where you most need it. I personally would not choose red,
which can create too strong reflections of light.


Tuuci large outdoor umbrella
The always elegant large white umbrella, this is Plantation Collection by Tuuci .

Sun or shade, the choice is ours!

©2011 Brillante Interiors writes about new trends, timeless decor, iconic pieces, design ideas, or at times just musing about "a certain Italian way of doing things".


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An evening with Knoll

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Outdoor – Indoor stackable Spark chairs by Knoll

As you know, since I have written several times about Milan I Saloni events, the whole city during that week and beyond is theatre of exhibitions, cocktail parties, happenings. I went to several, sometimes with a camera, sometimes not as at Baccarat, that was a superb party, and I still regret it. But at Knoll event I had my camera and even if I was busy chatting, eating risotto allo zafferano, delicious pastries and sipping Prosecco…I was able to take a few pictures.
Crowd at Knoll party
In the background a Marc Krusin chair from Krusin Seating Collection for Knoll.

“Founded in 1938, Knoll is a global manufacturer of residential and office furnishings that inspire, evolve and endure. More than 30 of our classic designs are included in the permanent collections of museums around the world”  Today, Knoll is still committed to modern design and to continuing the legacy of design excellence established by Hans and Florence Knoll.

Party at Knoll Milano
Outside Knoll showroom, sipping wine and eating from the delicious buffet.

Bertoia chair for Knoll
Bertoia side chair


Saarinen Womb chair and Tulip table
Saarinen Womb chair and ottoman, Tulip table.


Knoll Jehs+Laub chiar and ottoman
Jehs + Laub new collection includes this Lounge chair and ottoman inspired by traditional quilting.
Super comfortable!

Knoll Jehs+Laub chair
Jehs+Laub chair


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My niece…relaxing in a Knoll chair after a hard day at work!


Knoll vintage poster
Form, structure, economy indeed!


Knoll party I Saloni 2011 

Knoll party I Saloni 2011
Nice party atmosphere.


Outdoor Knoll party I Saloni 2011
An interesting evening, great crowd and iconic pieces of furniture.

©2011 Brillante Interiors writes about new trends, timeless decor, iconic pieces, design ideas, or at times just musing about "a certain Italian way of doing things".


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I wish I was there

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Mexico

I love summer, I love the ocean, I love sunny days and I love a house with a sea view,
 so I found these beautiful images and I  invite you to enjoy them with me.

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Pantelleria, Italy

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Argentario, Italy

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Guanabar, Brazil

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Santorini, Greece

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Camogli, Italy

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South Beach, Florida

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Ponza, Italy

Beautiful houses with stunning views, you can feel the breeze, the salt in the air, the scent of flowers…Which of these pictures makes you dream:

“I wish I was there”?

These houses are quite different in atmosphere, architecture, location and looking at each one provokes different feelings,  so I am curious to know which house appeals more to you and why. 
For my loyal followers who may know my taste by now…which house do you think I would choose to spend a month under the sun?

Photography by  Baan, Amatori, Brusaferri, Reggiori, Giugni, Martiradonna, Giannella.
  
©2011 Brillante Interiors writes about new trends, timeless decor, iconic pieces, design ideas, or at times just musing about "a certain Italian way of doing things".


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The joy of summer

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Finally Summer is here and if the weather behaves we can start having dinner outdoor, no matter if we have a garden,  a terrace, or just a small balcony. We will set the table in a casual, but attractive way, we will prepare fresh and simple food, a variety of salads, cold pasta dishes, maybe some grilled fish and display delicious seasonal berries.
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But no matter how fancy the table and delicious the food… everything can be ruined by insects and mosquitoes, many chemical products are available but often some can create problems to your guests.   The best way is to use natural products:

- did you know that basil keeps away flies?
- and geraniums keep away mosquitoes?
- of course everyone knows the power of citronella.

Why not try then to decorate the table with small pots or, as the top image shows, with empty tea  tins, filled with basil, rosemary, citronella, small geraniums, lavender. The scent will keep away insects and the greenery will be a pleasant centre table.
Some bigger pots with these plants around the conversation area will also make sitting outdoor more comfortable.
Aromatized candles will also be beneficial and the soft light will create atmosphere, especially if you choose colored thick glass displayed on a window sill, or on a small table, they will not only keep away insects but also become an enchanting focal point.

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Happy Summer to everyone!

©2011 Brillante Interiors writes about new trends, timeless decor, iconic pieces, design ideas, or at times just musing about "a certain Italian way of doing things".


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