September 23, 2012

Edmonton Interior Decorator | Home Staging | Love it or List it

"The best-laid plans of mice and men often go awry."

I was hired by the owner of this 'Adult Living' bungalow, to help prepare her condo for listing. She was ready to move, and already had her eye on a new property. However, after four days of re-organizing and interior styling, she has decided to "love it", instead of listing it. I guess that's the sign of a job very well done.

This bungalow has 2 bedrooms up, and a spacious, unfinished basement below grade. This delightful home owner had recently down-sized, but still had all of her prized possession from her previous home. It was my task to re-organize, and re-style all of her belongings, without removing any from the property. 

A few before and after comparisons: (Click images for larger version)


Basement before & after

Living room before & after

Guest bedroom before & after

Kitchen before & after

Living/Dining room before & after


Some of my favourite vignettes: (Click images for larger version)

 
Dining room: styled by Rachellabelle Interiors

Entry way: styled by Rachellabelle Interiors

Guest bedroom: styled by Rachellabelle Interiors

Living room 1: styled by Rachellabelle Interiors

Living room 2: styled by Rachellabelle Interiors

Living room 3: styled by Rachellabelle Interiors

Living/Dining room: styled by Rachellabelle Interiors
Are you ready to love it, or list it?



September 12, 2012

Edmonton Interior Decorator | Design Trend | Brass Decor

Let's get down to brass tacks: warm metals are making a comeback. Shiny chrome and brushed nickel are being replaced by brass and copper accents. Don't worry, these aren't the awful yellowish metals of yesteryear. They are muted, and slightly more sophisticated.


Want to see more of this design trend? Visit my Pinterest page and look for #BRASS.


September 6, 2012

Edmonton Interior Decorator | Design Style | French Country

What is French Country Style?

Simple, sincere, effortless and elegant. Those are four words that I would use to summarize the French country style. A home in the french country side is filled with natural materials: plaster walls, beamed ceilings and stone fireplaces. Accents from nature are brought indoors: bowls of lemons and vases filled with lavender.

Say "oui" if you love French Country!













Colourful and quaint settee


September 1, 2012

Edmonton Interior Decorator | Design Style | Rustic Decor

It's about that time of year where I start thinking about the upcoming change of season. The red and gold leaves. Wool sweaters and leather boots. Pumpkins and apple cider. I also start to cozy up to the idea of country-inspired rustic interiors. I don't know why, but it just seems to fit with the season.

Rustic decor evokes warmth and comfort. You can put your feet up on the table and wrap yourself in a blanket. There are no worries about perfectly polished surfaces or delicate decor items. Distressed leather, chipped paint, and patinated metal are all central to this style. Flea markets, yard sales and antique shops are perfect places to scout out shabby, but chic items. And from heirlooms to family hand-me-downs, they all fit in this casual, and comfortable style.

Here's my take on a rustic home, with a slightly glamorous twist.

Rachellabelle Interiors: Glamo-Rustic Moodboard

Want to see more rustic inspired rooms? Check out my Pinterest board and look for the pins with the hashtag "Rustic".



August 30, 2012

Edmonton Interior Decorator | Guest Rooms | Twice as Nice

If you were to put a guest room in your house, would you put in one bed or two? Which from the ones below would be most like your own personal style?

French Country Inspired Guest Room










August 27, 2012

Edmonton Interior Decorator | Home Staging | Suburban Townhouse

Time and time again, I tell my clients that Home Staging doesn't have to be costly, nor prohibitive to their day-to-day living. Quite often, with just a coat of paint, a little decluttering, and creative rearrangement of furniture, an entirely FRESH and an exciting look can be achieved.

With this townhouse, we used all existing furniture and upgraded the walls to a neutral paint colour. Additionally, we decluttered the rooms and rearranged the furniture. Now their home is REAL ESTATE ready!

Is your home ready for a pick-me-up?



Home office after paint & declutter

Basement after furniture re-arranging& declutter

Rec room after re-purposing of space

Master bedroom after paint & furniture rearrangement

Kitchen after paint & declutter

Breakfast nook after paint & repurposing of space




August 23, 2012

Edmonton Interior Decorator | Home Staging | West Edmonton House for Sale

What's better than having the privilege of being an Interior Decorator & Home Stager? Being a licensed REALTOR that is also an Interior Decorator & Home Stager. I am the ultimate hybrid! I get the honour of helping my clients from the beginning, to the end, of their home selling process.

It is such a dream come true working for a Real Estate brokerage that puts such a strong emphasis on marketing, and preparing the home for sale. That's why KENNEDY Real Estate is the perfect fit for me. Clients get a two-for-one when they hire me.

This home was staged, styled and SOLD in record time. Our offer came after just 1 day on the market! We used all of their existing furniture & decorative accents. We just worked on reconfiguring and decluttering. Here are the results:









August 21, 2012

Edmonton Interior Decorator | Virtual Decorating | Designer Real Estate

As you probably know, I wear a couple of hats. One as an Interior Decorator/Home Stager and another as a REALTOR. They are two great careers that complement one another seamlessly. Even when my plate is full of real estate transactions, I am still able to put on my designer cap. At Kennedy Real Estate, we specialize in "Designer Real Estate." Not only do we offer our clients both virtual & traditional staging options, but we also offer virtual decorating.

Here are a few before and afters I have put together for some of our most recent listings. You should try it out for yourself. Have fun!
Rachel Schofield Edmonton Realtor
Would you do carpet or hardwood? Go to www.17527-53Ave.com

Do you prefer light or dark cabinets? Go to www.19047-51Ave.com

Do you prefer colourful or neutral territory? Go to www.11624-12AveNW.com

Do you want your living room hot or cool? Go to www.11624-12AveNW.com

Do you like shade of grey or green? Go to www.310-11025JasperAve.com

Which colour gets you in the mood to cook? www.310-11025JasperAve.com

Is this the "bright" way to start your day? www.310-11025JasperAve.com


What makes your kitchen a dream?

Are you mellow for yellow or true to blue?




August 12, 2012

Edmonton Interior Decorator | Design Style | Mid-Century Modern

Mid-Century Modern is a period in design history that describes the post-World War II period of sleek,functional furniture and architecture. Henry Miller, Ray and Charles Eames, and Ludwig Mies van der Rohe were all extremely influential on mid-century modern design.

Hallmarks of a Mid Century Modern design would include: Neutral colours in white and off white, geometric shapes, sunburst mirror, plastic, glass and plexiglass furniture, sparse window treatment, shell curtains to divide rooms, and industrial looking light fixtures.

Other prominent designers of this time included: Harry Bertoia, Arne Jacobsen, George Nelson, Isamu Noguchi, Vernor Panton, Eero Saarine and Hans Wegner.

Here are a few, wonderful examples of classic Mid-Century Modern design:

Mid-Century Modern moodboard by Rachellabelle Interiors



August 3, 2012

Edmonton Interior Decorator | Client Moodboard | Modern Office Makeover

I have a brand new design client: ME! I've been so busy helping clients buy/sell homes as well as decorate/stage homes that I haven't had time for myself. I can definitely relate to the old saying "The cobbler's son has no shoes." Both my new home and office are in desperate need of attention. As my office space will get the most foot traffic, I thought I'd start there.

First, let me start with a photo tour of KENNEDY Real Estate's office. (If this is your first time reading this blog. I have a one-of-a-kind career as a REALTOR, Interior Decorator and Home Stager.)

#100, 8615-149 St. Edmonton, AB


Welcome to the "Big Apple"


Have a coffee and stay awhile

Lots o' brain storming happens here
My new real estate home

As you can see, KENNEDY Real Estate has quite a clean and contemporary look. It's an easy-to-work-with palette of black, white, grey and apple green. And fortunately for me, that's right up my alley.

Here's a sneak peek at what my office is going to look like: bold & graphic with an art deco twist.



When it's all done, will you come visit me? :)