Custom designs help create elegant spaces for living
There are many differences between mass-produced furnishings and those that are custom-made.
Items that are designed for mass production are generally meant for budgetconscious consumers. The styles are simple, aimed at consumption by a large audience, and the materials from which they are constructed are easily found and inexpensive. This is not to say that case goods manufactured on a large scale can’t be fashionable.
Utilitarian style is a favorite choice when we first begin to feather our nests, but as time goes by, it is exciting to be able to venture into more cultivated and sophisticated arenas.
While I was searching for inspiration for custom furniture pieces, a friend told me about the work of designer and artist Susan Hornbeak-Ortiz, who has a background in fine arts. She has been influenced by architecture, sculpture, painting, photography and installation art.
In 2004, Hornbeak-Ortiz and her husband founded the company Shine by S.H.O, starting with her bespoke lighting designs, then expanding to a full furniture line. Her goal is “to always be unique and authentic, pushing the boundaries of style and elegance,” she said.
“As one of my fashion idols, Coco Chanel, once said, ‘In order to be irreplaceable, one must always be different,’” Hornbeak-Ortiz said.
Shown here is a stunning modernistic living room designed and furnished by Hornbeak-Ortiz. Each piece has at least one feature that sets it apart. I love the Nuage sofa — those angled cushions are eye-catching and sassy, and the white antique velvet fabric is elegant.
Chairs and sofas are meant to be comfortable, yet they sometimes take a back seat to high style. Not here. The luxurious curve of the Sacha chaise, upholstered in soft mohair, presents a visual invitation to lounge.
Today, lighting fixtures are a major source of design inspiration, and Hornbeak-Ortiz shows off her creative flair with selections that are bright and bold. Both the Dax floor lamp and Dax chandelier share a twisting, twining charm reminiscent of a tangle
a personalized space is not a neutral space — and neutral spaces appeal to the most buyers.
The second reason is that I believe that potential buyers shouldn’t be given any more personal information about the sellers than necessary. Yes, certain information is public knowledge. However, it’s best to not give any additional information that could give prospective buyers any advantages in the negotiating process.
My job is to protect sellers who list with me and trust me to help them get their home sold for top dollar. Less information is better. Remove diplomas, trophies, mail and appointment reminders. Depersonalize as much as possible.
• Pre-pack to move.
Most buyers are looking for square footage and ample storage.
Start packing away all those personal items, as well as collectibles and out-of-season clothing. Anything that takes up valuable storage space in your home should be prepacked. If your closets and drawers are cram-packed with items, edit to 25 percent of what they currently contain.
Pre-packing also makes moving so much easier. Before I became a Realtor-stager, I did this with a home I had listed on the market. Although we didn’t yet have an offer, pre-packing made me feel like I was one step closer to closing day. Another controllable item!
Check with local stores to see when they receive shipments, and ask for the discarded boxes. Most are happy to give you boxes at no cost. If possible, store your pre-packed boxes off-site. It that is not an option, use attic or garage space. If you use the garage, try to stack everything neatly in a corner.
STRATEGIC STAGING
If you only have a small amount of money to spend on staging, hire a professional home stager to do a brief consult, not a full room-by-room consultation. Professional home stagers have levels of services they provide based on all budgets.
Ask for the stager’s top three to five recommendations for your home. Take those recommendations, enlist the help of a few friends, roll up your sleeves, and you are on your way to a sold property!