Designed To Sell - Model Home Makeovers

Show houses, or homes that are only open for a limited amount of time are becoming far and few between. It's a huge investment to do one of these homes, and then you have to figure out what to do with the accessories and furniture when the show is over. I was asked to be the Lifestylist® on the New American home this year, and even though it is the official show home for the International Builders Show, finding companies that would loan me grand pianos, high end furniture and original artwork was not an easy task.

One of the show homes I worked on that I am the most proud of  was the Homearama House for @home Builders. This company is known for giving back to the community, and we did a home with The Rochester Ronald McDonald House furnishing and styling it with merchandise that had been donated to The Ronald's House Sale.  It was a great example of how you can use gently cherished items and make the home feel warm and inviting. All of the items were auctioned off, and over $25,000 was raised for the Ronald McDonald House.

I just got word that the Ronald's House Sale will be held this year October 13 - 15. More information can be found at the organization's website. Some of my favorite possessions were purchased at this sale, and no matter where you live, it's worth driving or flying to Rochester to attend. If you need a mover to ship your goodies home, just email me and I have a great one that delivers my buys to Texas every year. If you are a merchandiser, stager, or just love great design this sale is not to be missed!

One sure sign that summer is almost over is the sales of colorful, outdoor inspired items at the stores. A lot of the department stores start clearing this merchandise our right after the 4th of July to make room for school items, but the home decor stores tend to wait until Labor Day weekend.
One of our Lifestylist® inspired blogs is Dollar Store Decors - items that cost less than a latte. I was out shopping for the 5 new model homes we have to install mid-September, and I was amazed how many cool things that fit this criteria that were giveaway deals, and I also found some great items that I'm going to use to display my "pick-ups" from my summer travels.
World Market was full of treasures today -up to 90% off! I found this great chair and two others that were marked down to $9.95 - 90% off. They had two great outdoor dining tables that were at the same savings, but I tend to collect tables and I know I didn't have room for them. But the chairs had such great style, I know I'll be able to re-purpose them in a living room, or use them as seating in a guest room. I'm tempted to paint them with a metallic paint or possibly a turquoise color, have cushions made and really make them special - at under $10.00 I don't have much to lose.
The painted table was a find at Hobby Lobby where I was able to find two matching ones at 80% off. I loved the colors and character they had, and I'm thinking about stacking them and using them as a display piece. What do you think?
I'm also collecting glassware and baskets that I can use to display my pick up pieces - I love picking up found items when I travel as a memento instead of buying a T-Shirt or shot glass. I'll share how to make picture frames and other ideas with these later, but I've got to get back to my model home shopping and taking advantage of these sales - I'll let you know what else I find soon!

Congratulations to Thermador and Geri Higgins for the opening of the Portfolio Flagship store in Kansas City. There will be a functioning Thermador Culinary Studio in the store and Thermador's executive chef Brad Peterson will be conducting cooking classes and demonstrations during the opening.
Geri is on the Thermador National Design Council with Lifestylist® Suzanne Felber, and we are hoping an invitation comes our way so we can see this beautiful new location in person!