By now, most of us have heard about the concept of "staging" a home.  Staging a home for the real estate market is all about making it as attractive as possible for potential buyers.  A thoughtfully staged home can give you an edge in the competitive world of real estate.  It is well worth establishing a plan, dedicating the time and spending the energy to set your home apart from the others on the market.  However, for me, "staging" goes beyond making a house pretty.  It is about creating an experience for potential buyers.    [read more...]

 

What's Happening at SCL

• It is a bittersweet time at SCL as we say farewell to one of our team.  Our wonderful Business Manager, Deirdre Wildman, is leaving us to pursue a career in real estate.  Deirdre has been with SCL since 2007 and has provided amazing support to our team, clients and vendors.  Deirdre is a true professional and managed our office with intelligence, efficiency and grace.  Please join us in wishing Deirdre all the very best as she embarks on a new and exciting path.
• SCL is happy to welcome Gail Veary to our team.  Gail will be stepping in as our Business Manager.  Gail is from Reston and comes to us with a strong background in interior design, office management and tech support.  She is energetic and excited to join our team.  Welcome aboard Gail!

My Favorite Thing!

 

I love this iron etagere in our living room.  It balances the two windows on the wall, with the birdcage-style top adding some curve to the straight lines of the curtain rods and ceiling moulding.  It looks much airier than a wood piece and is supremely useful as well as lovely.  It's near our front door so the small leather box captures keys, phones and spare change.  Several shelves hold decorative items (including two generations of hand-made ceramic penguins!).  The woven basket grounds the whole unit...and it is a great place to toss quick tidy-up items. 

 

Elaine Kelly, Reston, VA

• Traditional Home has a feature each month called "Classic Updates".  A design piece is selected, the history of it is given and then we get to see how it has been updated.  This month, let's learn about the "Slipper Chair"-
• As we focus on Eastern Accents this month, one question comes to mind--what is the proper way to decorate a bed?

 

Vendor Spotlight -- Eastern Accents

 

In the world of Interior Design, "soft goods" are a key element to a well-designed room.  Most people think of pillows when they consider soft goods, but really, it goes way beyond that.  For me, soft goods include pillows, bed linens, window treatments, throws and bolsters.  When layered properly, these pieces add texture and complexity to a room.  They also absorb sound and soften the space.

 

Like most designers, I love to create custom soft goods, but often the budget or timeline will not support a custom treatment.  When that is the case, I often turn to Eastern Accents.  [read more...]