Home Renos 101 Day 3 - Lighting

Once again, think about the use of the room. Do you require task lighting, ambient lighting, accent lighting, or decorative lighting?

Ambient lighting is meant to be soft and "out of sight", that is not from an obvious source. It works best as a calming and neutral background.
Accent lighting is used to highlight features and add interest to a room or detail. Often this is wired directly into the wall.
Task lighting is meant to provide direct light for working, such as in an office or kitchen. It provides visual clarity and helps to focus the mind on the job.
Decorative lighting is less effective if it has to compete with too much task or accent lighting. The scheme it occupies should rely on a discreet balance of elements and act as a unifier and/or focal point.
Recall your questions from Day 1 to allow you to determine what type of lighting you require.

Happy Last Movember Day!!

I would like to thank everyone that supported Movember, either by donating to the cause, or by sporting a moustache for the month of November to raise funds and awareness for prostate cancer. That being said, I look forward to December 1st :) Happy shaving!!

Home Renos 101 Day 2 - Flooring

While this is technically step two, as far as choosing the actual visual pieces for the room in question, this is step one. I can't stress this enough - always, always, always start from the ground up and select your flooring first. The type of flooring (laminate, hardwood, tiles, carpet, etc) is up to you, but take into consider the use of the room. Consider durability, comfort, cleaning and maintenance, and of course, how it looks. Before you step foot into a flooring store, be sure you understand your needs in all of the areas. Refer back to the questions you answered in Step 1 and take these into consideration in choosing your flooring.

Home Renos 101 Day 1 - Setting the Mood

When renovating any room in your home, the first step is to define the room. This will help you to determine what the overall feel or mood of the room will be. Ask yourself these 3 questions:

What will the room be used for?
Who will use the room?
How often will the room be used?

Be sure as you're planning out the room to refer back to these answers - these will help you to make decisions regarding functionality vs durability vs aesthetics.

Wet Bar update - Cabinetry has arrived - install has begun!

Beautiful espresso maple cabinetry give this bar a classy modern look in a traditional home - stay tuned for the next 2 weeks to see how this original BTSH design comes together!

See the full gallery on Posterous

Outdoor Holiday Decorating

Why let your indoor Christmas trees have all the fun? Decorate your outdoors as you would inside - you just need to make a few adjustments. I found these bulbs at the thrift store for $2 for 24 bulbs - this way I'm not concerned if they don't make it until the next season. For the outdoor planters, I found mesh ribbon and glittery branches from the dollar store. The evergreen is all natural and trimmed from a neighbour's tree (be sure you get permission before pruning!). Add some lights for added evening glow!

See the full gallery on Posterous

Wow, 11 C on November 26th!

Great day to get those last few leaves off the ground and lay down some more grass seed for a healthy spring lawn!

Stunning Wet Bar - Construction begins!

Here's a before picture - construction is expected to be completed in approximately 2 weeks, stay tuned for updates and the final results!

Home Staging with Pets

Staging your home means showing it at it's very best and appealing to the largest number of buyers possible. Unfortunately, not all buyers are going to be pet lovers, and in fact a home with pets can cause concerns to potential buyers - have the pets done any damage to the home? WIll the home smell like the pet? How will this affect their allergies?

My recommendation (and this coming from a mom to two cats) - remove the pets altogether for the time the home is on the market. I know this is difficult, and it doesn't have to be a permanent move, but if you have a friend or relative that is willing to take your furry friend(s) for a little while, this will increase your chances of selling your home faster.

If it is not possible to find a temporary home for your pet(s), there are actions you can take to minimize the affect of them on the sale of your home:

- Minimize their presence - this means storing all toys, beds, and food during showings. Store food and treats somewhere other than the pantry or kitchen.
- For dogs, ensure that they are out of the house at the time of showings - take them for a walk or to visit a friend. Be sure that the yard is cleaned up daily.
- For cats, clean the litter box twice daily to avoid an odour build-up, and be sure that it is out of sight - your cats will find the litter box wherever you move it to, all you need to do is show them where it is.

2012 KW MS Walk is looking for sponsors!

If you're a business owner and are interested in showing your support for your community and a great cause, please contact me for details. BTSH is a proud sponsor once again this year!

Move over flannel, here come microfibre sheets!

Softer than flannel, with the same cozy warmth - I picked up a set at XS Cargo and I've never slept better! It's going to be a warm winter.

http://www.shopxscargo.com/product_catalogue/cat_product_details.asp?category_id=30&product_code=28131&sub_category_1_id=152&category=Bedding

Christmas lights are up...

And the tree is trimmed - It's time to hang the stockings, and mail your letter to Santa! What are you asking Santa for this year?

BBQ'ing on Nov. 19th - amazing!! Can we skip winter this year??

Attn Photographers! 2012 KW MS Walk is looking for a Photographer - contact me for details!

This is a great opportunity to give you and your company great community exposure while helping a great cause.

1500sf Bungalow in Riverwood - Latest BTSH Staged Property

http://www.realtor.ca/PropertyDetails.aspx?&PropertyId=11320355&PidKey=867076693

I'm never too busy for your referrals!

This week has been a great week of repeat business! From Colour Consultations, to Redesign, to Decorating and Design, it's always great to re-visit past clients. It's great to see the transformation from my previous visits, and help them to move to the next phase of their plans. Stay tuned for some amazing before and after pictures!

Thanks to my girlfriends for helping me to trim the tree! The cats had a great time - check out the first ornament!

So excited to trim the tree tonight! Curious cats are already checking it out...should be interesting!

Thanks for your responses!!

The fans have spoken, and BTSH is listening! Working on updating the portfolio - stay tuned for more before and afters...

Great deal for house-cleaning!

http://www.dealfind.com/kitchener-waterloo/nancyscleaning?a=ee7cdb5f7dd5

Hoping to hang the Christmas lights today! Accepting volunteers :)

2012 KW MS Walk is still looking for a DJ!

If you're a DJ and you're interested in getting some great exposure while helping a worthy cause, this is a great opportunity! Please contact me for details. Approximately 900 walkers expected at this year's KW MS Walk!

This weekend is going to be a great weekend to hang up the Christmas lights - can't wait!! It's beginning to feel a lot like Christmas!

Remembering all those who have fought for us, and those that continue to fight. Thank you.

BTSH wants to hear from you!

Visit our page on facebook and like us, then answer our poll to tell us what types of posts you want to see.

Thanks to everyone that has already answered - your feedback is appreciated and will be considered for future posts.

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Beyond-The-Stage-Homes/62271738046

Hidden Valley Luxury Home - BTSH Project

Check out the latest from BTSH - a beautiful luxury home in Hidden Valley, currently in the design process, stay tuned for updated photos and videos.

http://www.realtor.ca/PropertyDetails.aspx?&PropertyId=11243695&PidKey=-952671614

Beautiful Sunny November Day!

With an extra hour of sleep you feel well rested - with this beautiful weather it's a great day to get outside with the family and soak up some rays!

One of a Kind Canvas by a local artist!

Thanks Sara May for another spectacular piece! This piece was commissioned recently by a client of mine - a stunning 4' x 6' canvas painted to compliment their home - check out Sara May's website at www.saramayart.com.