Daily Design Modules
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An Important Note from the Author:
The last lines of the 19th century British poet John Keat’s, “Ode on a Grecian Urn” poem say much in regard to good design, “Beauty is truth, truth beauty – that is all ye know on earth, and all ye need to know.” If the goal of great design is to ultimately create beauty, then are there "absolutes" or “truths” in the principles and elements therein?
The Definitive Guide to Staging and Design is my attempt to uncover those "absolute truths" to great staging and design, as well as help you phrase the "why" of your expertise so clients "get it".
The Definitive Guide is broken up into Daily Design Modules which you can download and access below:
These Guides are not in your Training Manual due to the exorbitant cost of printing over 300 pages of color photos, so please "save to" your computer and read at your leisure on your iPad or computer.
Day 1 - "How to Stage an Occupied Home"
On the first day of design training I've got a video to show you how to stage occupied homes, research the market and several things you need to consider right from the beginning...
Day 2 - The Elements of Great Design
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About this Module:
- Understanding Proportion and Scale
- Understanding Visual Weight
- Rhythm and Symmetry
- Creating Balance
There is so much we can do in the home simply by tapping into our natural talent, refined through a clear understanding of the principles and elements of good design and motivated by our vision. Yes, this is where I differ from my other staging training peers because I believe you must first understand and follow the elements of good design BEFORE making a staging or redesign decision. Consider these Design "How To" Modules a classical staging training since they first define and adhere to classic principles before they begin to find staging or redesign solutions.
Day 3 - Listening to the Home's Style
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About this Module:
- Understanding Architectural and Home Style
- Architectural Style Cheat Sheet
- Style and Design
- Style and Home Staging
- Style Example Cheat Sheet
In this module, I’m going to identify some primary Home Styles, especially by region. I will then tackle separately the development of style in a home for Redesign and for Home Staging.
I always say that staging and design are simply two sides of the same coin. The BIG difference is the "who" that we are designing for.
Day 4 - The Secrets to "Guiding the Eye"
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About this Module:
Understanding where the focal point is in a space and using "emphasis" to guide the eye to where we want it to go is an essential element to great staging!
- 5 Guidelines for Creating a Focal Point
- Creating an Entry
- Room by Room Focal Points
- Several Visual Examples of Each Room
Day 5 - The Art of Arrangement
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About this Module:
Did you know there's a fairly simple formula for arranging furniture, accessories and art that looks great every time? Most people don't know the formula and arrange their items poorly which is another critical reason for interior styling.
- 3 Steps to Arranging Furniture
- Finding the Lines, Focal, Function and Flow
- 4 Easy Steps to Accessory Arrangment
- The Art of Wall Arrangement and Pitfalls to Avoid
- 3 Ways to Create Wall "Groupings"
- 11 Creating Wall Hanging Ideas
- The Art of Arranging Bookcases & Built-ins
- Tons of Photo Examples Along the Way!
Day 8 - Creating Curb Appeal and Extra Spaces
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About this Module:
Today you will be reading two very short Design Modules kicking off our room -by room staging and design week.
- Gathering First Impressions
- 3 Key Ingredients
- Quick Curb Appeal Checklist
About this Module:
There are lots of "extra spaces" in the home that have to be addressed "design wise". In this small module you will learn:
- Handling the Entry Way
- Designing Hallways and Stairwells
- Before and after case studies
- Laundry Room Inspiration
Day 9 - Living, Family and Great Rooms...Oh My!
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About this Module:
The living spaces in the home are some of the most critical to "get right" when it comes to both design and staging. Here's what you will learn:
- Living Rooms vs Family Rooms - Visual Guide
- 5 Steps to First Impression "Assess"
- Functionality and Purpose - 6 Goals
- 4 Considerations for Assessing Space
- Styling and Layering Rooms
- A Word About Fireplace Mantels
- Accessorizing Coffee Tables and Side Tables
- Creating Special Spots
- Visual Examples Throughout
Day 10 - The Heart of the Home - Kitchen and Dining
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About this Module:
Almost 30% of the home buyer purchase decision is based on the kitchen, so this is a room I want to spend a lot of time on for both staging and design!
- 5 Steps to Assess the Kitchen and Dining
- 6 Design Goals for the Space
- Creating Space and Functionality
- Editing China Cabinets, Creating Desk Space
- Staging Kitchen and Dining Checklists
- Kitchen Updates - Before and After Case Studies
- Accessorizing Pitfalls to Avoid
- Quick Kitchen Cleaning Checklist
- Easy Kitchen Organization Checklist for Function and Family
Day 11 - Sanctuary Spaces - Master Bedroom & Bath
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About this Module:
Master bedrooms and baths are different than the other bedrooms in the home because they need to be sanctuaries for the heads of the household. In this module you will learn:
- 5 Steps to Assess the Master Bedroom/Bath
- Client Checklist for Safety, Security and Sanctuary in the Master Bedroom
- Tips for Gender Neutral Design
- Dealing with Unusual Shaped Rooms
- Places the Pieces in the Space
- Staging Rules of Thumb Checklist
- A Word About Closets
- Staging and Styling Checklist
- Before and After Master Bath Design Story
Day 12 - Designing Bedrooms and Offices
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About this Module:
Kids bedrooms, guest rooms and home offices have their own set of staging and styling rules, so we tackle them separately in this module. In this module you will learn:
- Staging Rules of Thumb for Vacant Homes
- The Hard Truth About Toys
- 6 Goals for Styling Kids Spaces
- Photo Gallery of Boys and Girls Rooms
- Staging Theme Ideas
- 9 Rules for Guest Rooms
- Styling a Functional Office Space
- Staging and Styling Checklist
- Before and After Office Design Story
Day 15 - Comprehensive Color - A Practical Approach
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Become a Certified Color Expert Today!
About this Module:
As you know, I have A LOT to say about color! I have a 3-Day Online color course called the Certified Color Expert program for those of you who are crazy about color...like me! This Color Module is a great starter module and goes over some color basics, as well as practical ways for specifying color in staging. In this module you will learn:
- Understanding the Attributes of Color
- Color Temperature and Dealing in Neutrals
- Color with Respect to Light
- Color with Respect to Architecture
- Color with Respect to Meaning and Emotion
- Color Schemes and Combinations
- Color Proportions
- Building Color Schemes for Clients
- Popular Paint Colors for Staging
- Branching Out to Color Expertise
Free PDF Report on some of my favorite staging paint colors and when to use them!
Day 16 - Window Covering Resales
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About this Module:
While not all of you will handle window coverings for clients, you should know that this could be a lucrative endeavor if you connect with the right vendors. In this module you will learn:
- Easy Window Solutions for Clients
- Window Coverings 101
- How to Measure for Windows
- How to Hire an Installer
- Putting All Together
- Purchasing Sample Books
- Working with Global Design Dealer and Hunter Douglas
Day 17 - Feng Shui for Staging and Design
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About this Module:
In this module, I bring in a well-known expert on the subject of Feng Shui. I've know Linda since I was a kid and I love how she breaks down this complicated subject and connects it easily to staging. You may work with clients who want you to understand Feng Shui, so I know you will love this module! In this module you will learn:
- Roots and Progression of Feng Shui
- Western Feng Shui and Staging/Design Applicability
- Understanding the Ba Gua Energy Map
- Understanding the Five Feng Shui Elements
- Understanding, Attracting and Controlling Chi
- Feng Shui and Clutter
- Room by Room Feng Shui
Day 18 - Model Home Photos and Building Trends
About this Module:
You are going to love this easy Module because I'm quickly showing you some 2 Million Dollar Model Homes that are probably over 4 million today. Who doesn't love looking at gorgeous homes and getting design ideas.
Day 19 - 2021 Staging, Design and Color Trends
Every year I do a live "Trends" webinar where we look at current trends and discuss whether we like them or not. This usually happens in January or February, so keep an eye on the Event Calendar.
Here's the 2020 Webinar Replay on Staging, Color and Design Trends with Chat Room Voting (just disregard the salesy stuff at the end since this was a public, SALES webinar to get maximum voting:-)
In case you wanted to see the 2019 Trends Presentation...here's that replay too:):