Real Estate Staging

Traci LaRussa
home staging
Staging a home before it’s listed will help a home sell much faster. Not every buyer can envision themselves living in the home, therefore, staging helps appeal to a buyer’s senses.
Here are a few simple tips for sellers:
  1. Declutter and clean. Rent a storage unit if you must.
  2. Depersonalize. You want buyers to view the home as their own.
  3. Paint with neutral colors.
  4. Closets should be 1/3 empty.
  5. Make sure the home smells good. Use warm scents that are sensitive to allergies. You could also bake cookies or heat vanilla oil on an electric warmer before an open house.
  6. Clear kitchen counters and add an attractive bowl of colorful fruit or a fresh flower arrangement.
  7. Curb appeal is important because it represents a first impression. Make sure the landscape is well manicured.
  8. Hire an expert. Home staging is a wise investment and usually brings in 5-15% more than a home that has not been staged. You can save money by opting for a professional consultation and do the work yourself!

How to Create Moroccan Design

Traci LaRussa

Moroccan AMoroccan architecture is shaped largely by centuries of Middle Eastern culture and Roman influences. Creating this elegant décor in your home can offer a dramatic and versatile interior. This style ranges from the sophisticated, using a peaceful earth-tone palette, to a more glamorous mood when accented with bold, bright colors. Blending colors, textures, and patterns to suit your style preference is important in achieving an inspired ambiance.

Color Scheme

Moroccan designs are known for using hues of spices.

  • If you seek a more tranquil surrounding consider white walls and accent with muted colors of turmeric and cumin.
  • Add flavor with a touch of paprika red or saffron yellow.
  • For more striking color use contrasts of bright yellow, cobalt blue, succulent orange and reds, or vivid pink.
  • Because hospitality is part of the essence of Moroccan style, the festive tones of rich blues, orange, and pink can provide the perfect atmosphere for entertaining and hosting special celebrations.
  • Paint the entire wall or add a pop of color to a door.
  • You can find color inspiration anywhere, including art, tiles, dishes and fabrics. Find a favorite piece and work from there!
  • Choose colors that are pleasing to you and your family, and that you are willing to live with day-to-day.

color inspiration

Patterns

Moroccan décor is known for intricate and artistic geometric tiling, known as zillij. These design patterns are a key ingredient in creating a beautiful Middle Eastern décor and were known as a sign of cultural privilege.

  • You can successfully incorporate a subtle hint of the zillij effect by adding geometric shaped tile patterns to trims, door frames, tabletops, benches, cupboard doors and backsplashes.
  • Such elaborate tiling can be time consuming and costly, but you can cleverly use paint and stencils to give the illusion of zillij.

Moroccan C

Architectural Details

Just a few architectural details can bestow an interior space with Moroccan charm.

  • Add texture and interest to interior walls using a stucco finish prior to painting.
  • Get a simple door noticed by adding wood molding and painting with rich hues of red, orange, or gold.
  • Place arch-framed elements such as wrought-iron, wood or lattice work above windows and doorframes for a quick and easy solution when wanting more detail.

Morocco design

Furniture

Furnishings came help pull your look together.

  • Consider using an L-shaped couch with fine lines and generously adorn with piles of plush pillows in contrasting colors, patterns and textures.
  • Carved and inlaid wood is popular in Moroccan décor and can easily be found in readymade armoires, tables, chairs and divider screens.
  • Vibrant upholstery furnishings create striking decor, though you may want to consider pure white upholstery for a soft, more relaxing interior.
  • Add plump floor cushions in complementary colors for additional seating.
  • Canopy tenting is often found above beds and seating areas; this is a simple, yet romantic addition to Moroccan design.

photo credit: marcp_dmoz via photopin cc
photo credit: Moroccan Mosaic from Indonesia via photopin cc

Table Setting Guide

Traci LaRussa
event planning

Tips for setting a table:

  • Add beauty and warmth to a tablescape with a linen cloth, candles, and a stunning centerpiece. Always select a centerpiece that will not obstruct view or hinder conversation.
  • Just as in home decor, adding different colors and textures can add visual interest to your tablescape.  For instance, a wood table and linen runner would pair nicely with candles, glass, greenery, and pewter or gold goblets and chargers.
  • Remember to allow enough elbow room for guests so they are not overcrowded.
  • Do not forget to set the tone for the evening with music that will help create the mood you desire.

If you have ever wondered how to set a proper place setting then you may find these tips helpful:

  • Balance place settings by laying flatware, plates and glasses the same distance apart.
  • If serving a formal dinner, you can lay a napkin on a charger (decorative service plate) to accent and balance a place setting without a plate. The charger usually remains until the main entrée is served.
  • Place forks to the left of a plate and knives and spoons to the right. A cocktail fork is the only fork set to the right.
  • Utensils are set in the order they will be used; place the first needed utensils furthest from the plate. It is not necessary to set out utensils that will not be used. Remove used utensils after each course.
  • Place a water glass directly above the knife. Wine glasses and other glassware should be set to the right of the water glass, descending downward from largest to smallest.
  • A bread and butter plate is usually set to the left side above the forks. Lay a butter knife diagonally on the plate. Dessert spoons and forks can be set above the plate with the fork nearest the plate and tongs pointing right. Set the spoon above the fork, pointing left.
  • Coffee cups look nice placed to the right of a setting with a coffee spoon resting on its saucer.
  • Napkins can be placed to the left of forks or under forks. You can also place on a plate, charger or attractively displayed in glassware.

Note: To help you remember the basic positions for a place setting, consider using the age-old reminder, “forks”. The “o” represents the plate. Forks are set to the left of the plate and to the right rest knives, and then spoon

place setting