December 2017 – lalai home

Month: December 2017

Really design from the dollar store?

Posted on December 14, 2017December 14, 2017 by lalaihome

Hard to believe but it’s true, I’m not a design snob by any stretch of the imagine! Of course going luxe is super easy, spend spend spend. Often times if you scavenger and hunt long enough, you’ll find super home decor items at GASP the dollar store. Truth be told, I can’t recall where this framed photo came from, but I scored it for a whopping dollar! Matched with Behr shade of grey/mint wall color and here we have a peaceful and crisp room.

Re-designing isn’t about over hauling your space with brand new items. It’s about utilizing what you have and re-purposing it in a different room. Perhaps it’s a new paint color, new curtains, or just old fashion donating your extra things that simply don’t add sentimental value to your home.

Purging and re-designing your home decor is a tedious yet rewarding process. Have fun with it! Throw yourself a pizza painting party with upbeat music. Hey that’s what I’m doing this year.

Anthropologie, you are the best for re-design splurges

Posted on December 14, 2017December 14, 2017 by lalaihome

I love this store, I really do and I admit I have a long list of independent home decor stores that have special lotions, potions and candles galore. I’m a fan of mixing it up with deluxe finds and budget friendly items (ahem) dollar store gems. Why not right? I found myself in curtain rod heaven at our local dollar store, read about it here Decorating on a dollar I know it almost sounds unfathomable but I’m serious, dollar stores are the bomb! Ok these days, they’re not really a dollar any longer, more like $4.99, but even still if you compare them to popular chain stores, you’ll be shocked. It may not be in your most hoighty toithty areas of town, but I mean if you get to save up your monies by thrift diving and then splurging it elsewhere like Anthropologie–I mean enough said.

While traveling for these unique one of a kind artisanal soaps aren’t always practical, just keep it in mind for when you do vacation. Ditch the shot glass souvenir and really shop local. You’ll find your house transformed into a home filled with travel memories vs. your big box decor item!

Before and After, with a little re-arranging

Posted on December 14, 2017December 14, 2017 by lalaihome

Staging a home is paramount these days in getting your home sold. Here’s why. Home flippers and queen bee home renovators are listing their homes staged to the nines! So let’s think about that, here are home sellers/investors that have staged their home to resemble a HGTV make over and here you are trying to list your home without any preparation?

Here’s an example of a BEFORE photo

This is a home in Bloomfield, NJ that could not sell. Several things that are a no no. For starters, this photo is dark and pixelated (fancy word for blurry). This was a photo of their living room that actually was quite large. Now mind you this is before wide angle cameras were available on camera phones. Yet despite that technology, cutting the room in half didn’t make sense.

So jump to the photo above. Granted this was the original photo before Iphone days, yet do you see how this living room was much more sizable show casing not 1 but 2 sofas. next the dresser with TV was placed by the entrance relieving clutter and allowing for walkable space. Also photo enhancing is key! Showcase those floors! Bring the sun light in! Do not have your photo taken at night–simply do not. Natural light is a dream and evokes warmth.

Home staging matters and please do not take it personal. We understand that you love your home just the way it is. However, you’re looking to sell your home and neutralize your space to attract more eyeballs. So this would be the time to collect boxes, pack, and donate! Those photos of your cherished loved ones? Beautiful but place them in a box for now until you locate your next home.

Home staging is about getting your home ready for someone else with less personalization. Home styling is a reflect of your personal taste. Get the difference?

Ready to sell your home in Northern New Jersey? Reach out to me 973-723-2005 or head to Judy Chin Homes

Flowers, fruit & veggies for design inspiration

Posted on December 14, 2017December 14, 2017 by lalaihome

Fresh peonies from your garden, a simple vase from your local thrift store or dollar store along with travel souvenir (in this case Jamaica) is a simple and attainable way to approach re-design. Often times, it’s easy to drive to your local big box chain store and don’t get me wrong, you can definitely find things there. Yet design and style is simple and attainable if you use some imagination. You’ll find designing this way will be a more unique and YOU home design.

Sure… this might be more eclectic, after all that’s you! Where have you traveled to? Remember all those collectible shot glasses? Ha! You can use them too. Find a shelf and some books (that you’ll actually read) and decorate with your shot glasses from all over the United States! Hey it’s original, it’s you so go for it.