What is Biophilic Design? How do we use Biophilic Design in our spaces?

5 habits to close the year and to improve your well-being

duda-wsm@mijndomein.nl — Sat, 26 Dec 2020 06:14:54 GMT

This will be the last blog post of this year 2020, the most surrealistic and dystopian year we have experienced so far. Precisely for this reason, because of the rare charge it has had, I think it is interesting to tell you about some of the habits or customs that I have been practising for some time, which help me to close the year and start the next one with a different energy

I also take advantage of this article to show you and thank some people or resources that have helped me to grow and feel more at peace with myself every day.

1// REVIEW THE YEAR, ASSESS YOUR DEVELOPMENT AND LOOK FORWARD TO THE NEXT

If you are an entrepreneur, a businesswoman or interested in your personal development, I am sure you will spend some time reviewing how the year has been and assessing what you have achieved in the different areas of your life. It is likely that you will also set goals that will help you achieve future success. I have to say that I find this "goal setting" very creepy because I associate it with pressure, having to leave my comfort zone, the anguish of not knowing, etc.

They may be personal limiting beliefs, but in any case, it helps me a lot to approach it from a lighter perspective, that is, to try to connect with what I am excited about (regardless of whether I see it as feasible or not at this precise moment).

There are millions of resources that help to put all this into practice, but I want to mention those that I have experienced and that have worked for me:

- The Five Second Rule: The 5 Second Rule is simple. If you have an instinct to act on a goal, you must physically move within 5 seconds or your brain will kill it.

- Meditate: download the app OMVANA and try the 6 phase meditation.

-Go into the forest: Shinrin Yoku : It is called Nature therapy, sometimes referred to as ecotherapy, and describes a broad group of techniques or treatments that use an individual's presence within nature with the intention of improving an individual's mental or physical health.

- Get yourself a good coach: two years ago I could not imagine I would be sitting right now in another country with my family, doing that which I really love! This all was with help of my wonderful coach: Yulia Stark.

2// REVIEW YOUR SPACE

2020 wasn't the year any of us expected. In this moment there is no question that our lives (and more specifically, our homes) are forever changed by this event.

It's likely that spending more time at your own home this year has given you new insight into your intimate and not-so-intimate (hello zoom backgrounds) spaces.

These are some tips I have been giving in order to CREATE A PRODUCTIVE HOME OFFICE AND ENHANCE YOUR CREATIVITY!:

- Introduce Plants

- Introduce forest music (there is nothing so relaxing as the sound of singing birds in a forest, or the sound of the waves crushing on the seashore)

- Open your windows

- Introduce wooden furniture

- Declutter your space

These and more and the easy tricks we use in Biophilic Design

3// GET YOUR BODY MOVING

Morning exercise is a daily habit of many successful leaders.

Mens sana in corpore sano: usually translated as "a healthy mind in a healthy body". The phrase is widely used in sporting and educational contexts to express the theory that physical exercise is an important or essential part of mental and psychological well-being.

I love my Pilate classes combined with a run in the woods!

4// EXPERIMENT WITH COLOR

Use extra free time after work or during the weekend to reconsider an overdue home decorating project. The color red is conducive to energy, green unlocks creative thinking and blue is calming.

Block colours and strong lines are proven to help with tasks that require focus and concentration, whilst abstract content and neural palettes are preferable when promoting calm and tranquillity. If you are looking for inspiring content, use bright strong colours with refined compositions.

The great working from home experiment is a chance to explore a preferred working style. With a little imagination, most people can adapt their environment to suit how and when they like to work.

Keeping yourself engaged and making sure you have a changing, vibrant home environment is vital to keeping creative and ensuring your productivity stays high.

5// INTRODUCE BIOPHILIC DESIGN

Here 10 some tips for incorporating biophilic features into your living space, whether is your own house or you rent it:

Move your work surface and adjust your drapes, shades or blinds so that you can get maximum natural light from the nearest window. Even if you’re not getting a view, you can still get sunshine. If local climate conditions and air quality permit, work and sleep with the windows open.
Change the bulbs in your lamps and light fixtures to full-spectrum circadian models that mimic the sun’s path through the day. This can help with both mood and sleep.
Replace your alarm clock with a sunrise model. Unless you’re an exceptionally heavy sleeper, this can be a strategy for waking up without the jarring buzz of an alarm, much like your ancestors did at the sun’s first light.
Add houseplants to your living space. If you can’t see trees outside, you can still enjoy greenery inside. Choose varieties that will grow in your light and not harm your pets. Also consider plants that will improve your indoor air quality.
You can grow herbs on your kitchen counters or cultivate a mini-garden inside.
If you’re missing the joy of water, consider adding an indoor water fountain to your decor. It can provide style, calm and a gentle acoustic element.
Another water element to consider is a rain-style shower head; this can evoke happy memories of summer rain shower hikes or waterfall-filled vacations.
It’s been shown that even representations of nature can have a biophilic benefit, so consider paintings inspired by your favorite landscapes or nature photos you shot yourself.
A white noise machine can help you sleep with soothing sounds of nature. Choose those – whether surf or bird song, chirping crickets or flowing creek – that evoke happy memories and take you away to happy places.
Natural scents can also enhance your space and well-being. Lavender has been used for centuries as a natural stress reducer and eucalyptus can potentially relieve coughs. There are many more properties that can be explored through aromatherapy.

And you, do you have any custom, habit or annual closing ritual? If you dare, I'd love to read about it in the comments, so that together we can nourish this list.

Tools to create Unity in your Space

duda-wsm@mijndomein.nl — Sun, 15 Nov 2020 16:16:56 GMT

When decorating a home, it is essential that all rooms are connected in harmony in order to get the feeling that they are a part of the whole.

In this blog I will explain some tricks to follow when creating Unity in a Space:

Lines of Sight and Axes

Research has shown that a clear layout and the use of lines and axes works very well and contributes to the emotional value of a house: it makes you feel comfortable in a house.

That's why it's important when decorating your house to be able to zoom out and look at the interplay of several rooms at the same time.

The red Line

I am not talking literally about drawing a red line from one to another room, no, what I mean by this is to follow the path of the conversation a house or a space is communicating to us.

Interior designers always look for a red line: an imaginary theme where they connect rooms and floors. The red line can be a colour, but also something subtle such as a certain material (e.g. wood ), or a certain element in the detailing. It's all about creating something recognisable.

These could be some of the examples to achieve coherence:

- A common color or color theme

- A recurring material

- Consequent use of a certain type of wood

- Use a a certain style period

- Integration of the exterior in the interior

Do you still want to know more about Creating Serenity and Harmony in your Space?

Learn more in my FREE Workshop: "5 Secrets to Create a Balanced and Restorative Home with the Help of Nature"- November 26th 18:00 CET

CLICK DOWN HERE and FOLLOW the links

How to use color with Biophilic Design

duda-wsm@mijndomein.nl — Thu, 23 Jul 2020 13:09:23 GMT

“The relationship between humankind and nature can be one of respect and love rather than domination...The outcome...can be rich, satisfying, and lastingly successful, but only if both partners are modified by their association so as to become better adapted to each other...With our knowledge and sense of responsibility...we can create new environments that are ecologically sound, aesthetically satisfying, economically rewarding...This process of reciprocal adaptation occurs...through minor changes in the people and their environment, but a more conscious process of design can also take place.”

René Dubos,
The Wooing of the Earth

Biophilic design is good for the bottom line —it produces real benefits backed by science.
There’s a common misconception that biophilic design is a luxury—accessible only to those with deep pockets. But small shifts in built environments, such as incorporating plants into a space, or changing some colors in good proportion, can lead to a significant return on investment.

In this blog we are going to talk about one of the ways of Incorporating Elements of Biophilic Design into a Space: C O L O R

I will continue in different blogs explaining which are the 12 ways to incorporate elements to Biophilic Desing into a Space.

When picking up suitable colours to create a biophilic space, we have to take a look at NATURE. These are naturally inspired colours which can help us feel better in the places we live, sleep and work.

SKY

From the pale white skies near the horizon to the vibrant mid-blues of a summer’s day, the sky is a rich seam of color inspiration. It’s never just one color. The most prevalent feature in our natural environment covers a wide variety of hues, values and chroma – the reddish pink glows of a sunset to the grey, almost translucent shades of an overcast day, the glowing orange-blue of twilight to the washed out yellow-pinks of the dawn.

SEA

Because we respond so positively to its physical presence and sound, water is also worth exploring as a biophilic color, with its subtle range of colors. The sea can roll with thunderous grey waves, for example, or read as a calm, flat stretch of green-blue. On a sunless day, stretches of water can be pale off-whites or froth with white-blue foam. The prevalence of blue in the natural world – both in the sky and bodies of water – may explain why it is still the world’s favourite color. A YouGov survey conducted in ten countries across four continents showed that one color – blue – was consistently picked as the favourite.

PLANTS

After blue, green is the second most prevalent color in the natural world. It’s the color of renewal, growth and plant life – a color we implicitly associate with forests, fields and other fertile landscapes. It’s also a color we find comfortable to live with; scientists believe that, because our eyes – in daylight – detect wavelengths corresponding with the color green more readily than any other color, our brains and nervous systems feel calm when we look at green.

Looking at green foliage has been shown to increase attention span and concentration levels, so it may be a good color for work or study environments.

EARTH

The other colors that dominate our natural landscape are earthy tones – the gentle browns, grey's, stone shades and sandy hues that characterize the rocks and pebbles in nature – from wood shades to soil, skin pigmentation to fur and human hair – different permutations of brown conjure up notions of rustic living, raw undyed materials such as timber or wool, autumn colors and natural pigments.

These was inspired by the book: Biophilia by Sally Coulthard

YOU are more than welcome to visit my Website for more BLOGS and information

The Best Indoor Plants to Cool Air

duda-wsm@mijndomein.nl — Sun, 14 Jun 2020 14:19:15 GMT

Snake Plant, Sansevieria or Dracaena trifasciata:

Meet the champion water evaporator. This tropical palm can convert up to 1 liter of water per day into water vapor and thus humidity . You have to give him enough water for that feat of power, because he can cool the room eagerly.

Ficus benjamina, Weeping fig, benjamin fig or ficus tree

This large plant is ideal for blocking out the sun. And look at those thick, big leaves and you know it: they hold the moisture . On hot summer days, they give it off sparingly, and you can feel it!

Peace Lily or Spathiphyllum

The long thick leaves of the sansevieria can store a lot of water. At high temperatures the water evaporates and the room cools down naturally. Extra advantage: sansevierias can withstand direct sunlight very well. You can easily put one or more of them on your windowsill or in front of a large window to create a green curtain against direct sunlight.

Areca Plant Dypsis lutescens, also known as golden cane palm

This large ficus can grow up to 2 meters high and is also a great air conditione r. Thanks to its many leaves it keeps the air moist and cool. Like most ficus, it does not like stagnant moisture. So water it once or twice a week, but always wait until the soil on the surface is dry again. Ficus are also very efficient at trapping contaminants .

Ficus elastica or Rubber Fig

Not so much room? This plant from South America grows to a maximum height of 1 meter and does its job perfectly! The elegant white flowers give the space the necessary humidity. Peace Lily plants are also purification champions!

What else can you do with plants?

More information?

I have launched a new Program where I coach how to nurture your Space Engaging all Senses!!

Holistic Design-Just much more than Design

duda-wsm@mijndomein.nl — Sun, 10 May 2020 12:11:42 GMT

Design is for solving problems

Design is for solving problems. It’s become generally understood that this is the main concern of design and that other considerations are secondary to solving problems. However, holistic design is a school of thought that disagrees with this approach. It still focuses on solving problems but takes an approach to the design which sees the system as an interconnected whole that is part of a larger world. In this system secondary considerations become primary considerations alongside the problem solving aspect of design.

HOLISTIC INTERIOR DESIGN

Holistic interior design, sometimes called wellbeing design, is an approach to interior design that is concerned with supporting wellness of the mind, body and spirit of the people that inhabit the space.

Holistic medicine considers and treats the whole person, and Holistic design considers and creates for the whole person (mind, body, spirit), rather than space’s form and function alone.

A traditional approach to interior design considers how visually appealing a room is and how usable it is. Going a little bit deeper, a designer will even consider how a room “feels” to the inhabitants.

Holistic interior design takes it a step further: ensuring the room or area actually promotes the physical, mental and spiritual health of the people who live and work within.

Holistic designers will use their knowledge of color psychology, Biophilia , environmental psychology, human biology and ergonomics, among other areas of study, to design environments that look pretty, function well, and actually make you healthier.

It’s no longer weird a to talk about our spiritual health or to take time to care for our minds and bodies. Consider the popularity of yoga, or the importance of rest and meditation. This doesn´t mean that your interior designer can cure you but we can determine that our environments affect far beyond what we can see or even feel, and it is entirely possible to leverage this knowledge, holistically, for our wellbeing. You can have a home that supports your health. You can have a company in which the environment allows its employees to flourish. You can build a business that draws people to it because they feel stimulated and rejuvenated.

How does Aromatherapy influence your Well Being at Home?

duda-wsm@mijndomein.nl — Mon, 30 Mar 2020 15:07:52 GMT

9 Tips to use Aromatherapy at Home

Aromatherapy is the practice of using the natural oils extracted from flowers, bark, stems, leaves, roots or other parts of a plant to enhance psychological and physical well-being.

As one of the approaches of Habitarmonia for your Wellnes Space, Aromatherapy plays a significant role in the daily practice for your mental and physical health.

Here below we suggest 9 different ways in the use of Aromatherapy:

1. Burn oils.

Aromatherapy oil burner worked by heating a few drop of essential oils in a water bowl set above a tea light candle. Aromatherapy oil burner is the easiest way to benefit from essential oil’s scent, You also can try a simple blend to go with an oil burner. For a starter, put 6 drops of essential oil or blends to freshen up your room. Using heat destroys any therapeutic benefits of the oil. So this is for fragrance use.

2. Use nebulizer diffuser.

Sometimes called An Electric Oil Diffuser, will allow you the ability to create many fantastic scents and expand them into the air that is throughout your home. There are many types of electric oil diffuser you can choose today. It’s the most effective and easiest way to disperse essential oils in the air. It’s recommended for emotional and mental health as well as for diseases effecting the lung, blood and the brain. Electric Oil diffuser can break down the oils into separate molecules to make easier for the aroma to be inhaled. And once you switch it on, it will last for couple hours. Make sure your unit specifies cold air and does not use heat or vibration; that would destroy active medicinal constituents.

3. Inhale the oils in water.

A Steam inhalation is commonly associated with treating respiratory illness such as colds and flu. Add about 10 drops of (eucalyptus radiata, peppermint or pine essential oils) into a bowl of hot water, then lean over the bowl and cover your head with towel for about ten minutes as you inhale. This treatment is good when you having colds.

4. Spray.

If you want to quickly purify and freshen the air in your home, or in your office, make an aromatherapy air freshener. Fill 180 ml spray bottle with distilled water. Add 5-10 drops of the essential oil of your choice for each ounce of water. Shake well and use it to spray around the room as often as you need it. Remember to shake well before each new spray.

5. Take an aromatic Bathing.

Bathing can be a pleasurable, highly relaxing experience and adding essential oils to your bathwater increases the benefits tenfold. Start by adding 6 drops of essential oils or blend into the bathwater. The scents of essential oils fill the room with delightful fragrances, while essential oils enter the skin pores and relax tired muscles.

6. Massage.

When used in massage these essential oils usually dilute with carrier oils, and then applied to the skin. With this, it is absorbed by the skin, and penetrates into the tissues of the body, your blood and the interstitial fluid. Smoothing fragrant oil into tired muscle is the most pleasurable ways to relax and unwind. It is absolutely essential that you use only oils that don't say don't use neat (undiluted) not to use internally. These are adulterated and can hurt you even if you dilute them.

7. Use oil-steeped compresses.

This method is a fast and effective ways to speed recovery from muscular pain and strains after a rigorous workout, and a treatment for bruises, headaches, insect bites, toothache, spots and more. Compresses can be made from adding 3 – 6 drops of essential oils or blend into one quart of warm water. Stir carefully. Soak a clean cloth in the water, rinse it and apply to the affected area. Leave it there for 15-20 minutes. Repeated as needed.

8. Add oils in your perfume.

Adding essential oils in your perfume base is lot more cheaper than you bought a branded perfume which is full of chemical added. To make an aromatherapy perfume is very easy. Please visit this additional related wikihows to start your signature perfume. [Bella Mira Essential Oils] makes wonderful blends that are great for perfume.

9. Burn candles.

Candle can be used to help set the atmosphere and improve the ambience in many situations. They can be used in any room of your home and provide a wonderful enhancement. Using aromatherapy candle has a positive effect on our body and emotions. The key is in choosing the correct scent to match the emotion or sense you wish to evoke. Just FYI there are no real essential oil candles on the market. All those sold are fragrance oils. If you are looking for medicinal benefits you have to use a cold air diffuser.Nieuwe alinea

These are some of the tips you can follow but we can suggest you many more!

Habitarmonia is all about it!

What is Biophilic Design? Why do we use it in Interior Design?

duda-wsm@mijndomein.nl — Mon, 30 Mar 2020 15:05:57 GMT

5 Tips to use natural elements in the built environment - from plants to pictures

Have you ever surrendered to nature’s tranquility in search of relief or relaxation? How do you feel walking along the sea or hiking in the mountains or running along the park? Does spending a few minutes outside impact your mood? Do you feel your busy mind calming down?

Nature used to be all around us. Technically, it still is, though the quality of the nature that surrounds us has changed. Currently, 54 percent of the world’s population live in an urban environment. By 2050, it’s estimated that percentage will increase to 66 percent—two thirds of the world’s population! Generally, humans spend 93 percent of our time indoors separated from natural elements.

This issue represents a very unhealthy path for our future. As we continue to move towards the city and spend more time indoors, our day-to-day interaction with quality nature is shrinking. Ultimately, this is increasing our potential to experience psychological and physiological harm. How can we work to reverse this trend and improve the overall well-being of our communities?

One contemporary concept is biophilic design, a strategic approach to tap into—and harness—nature in the built environment.

WHAT IS BIOPHILIC DESIGN?

The biophilia hypothesis proposes that most humans have an innate love of nature—we long for it and without connecting with it, our health could suffer. So, biophilic design is an applied solution to appease this desire for nature by integrating natural elements and processes into the built environment.

Biophilic design is more than just bringing the outside in, it's about making and strengthening a connection with many aspects of nature. It's about natural light, views on nature, plants, natural materials, textures and patterns.

Biophilic design can be implemented at the community, building, or small-project level. And if done right, the design should trigger a strong positive impact on our health and well-being.

The challenge? Clearly defining biophilic design and how people may or may not respond to its many opportunities. Many researchers have characterized biophilic design and identified what they believe make up a biophilic space. Two thought leaders (Stephen Kellert and Elizabeth Calabrese) recently categorized strategies into three major experiences: direct experience of nature, indirect experience of nature, and experience of space and place. In this blog, I will refer to the first two.

DIRECT EXPERIENCES OF NATURE

In the built environment, direct experiences of nature refer to plants, light, water—any aspect that provides direct contact with green elements. It can even include natural air movement! These are features we should bring to our clients’ work environments, whether educational, healthcare, or industrial buildings.

— Plants are beneficial because they are living, breathing organisms.

— Views of direct nature and experiencing daylight also have a strong impact on environmental psychology.

— Water and airflow also play key roles in biophilic design.

INDIRECT EXPERIENCE OF NATURE

Beyond the obvious—and direct—elements of biophilic design, there are also opportunities to provide indirect experiences of nature. This is where some very exciting strategies come into play, such as natural materials like wood and earth, or even images of nature. Indirect experiences provide excellent solutions to spaces where plants are not desired or views of nature and access to a window aren’t feasible.

Sounds and smells contribute to a multi-sensory, biophilic experience. Though most research has focused on the visual sense, natural sounds and smells also have a role to play in building design and operations.

BRINGING NATURE TO WORK

OK, so now that we understand just how important nature is to the built environment, let’s get to work! Here are five tips and tricks to help you easily bring in biophilic strategies to your work environment.

1. Open the blinds.

2. Buy a plant, or two or three! (Tip: Sansiverias are great company!)

3. Decorate with images of nature.

4. Listen to natural sounds like running water or airflows, which can be quite tranquil in the workplace.

5. Get outside. Getting outside for even a 20-minute walk will help your performance throughout the day and may help you sleep better at night.

The Biophilia effect

duda-wsm@mijndomein.nl — Mon, 30 Mar 2020 15:04:57 GMT

The healing power of trees and plants I

Nature: the most powerful health and body elixir for the mind

Sure you have experienced the peaceful effect of nature. Nevertheless, you might not know that a simple walk in the forest has immense healing power effect corroborated by science.

This is what biologist and writer G. Arvay names :"Biophilic Effect"

Plants communicate directly with our immune systems and our unconscious brains, thereby preserving our health. It is a scientifically proven fact: nature is the best medicine and also an excellent psychotherapist

Back in 1984, an study from professor Roger Ulrich which was edited in the international magazine Science, explained the fact of looking at a green forest our of the window of an hospital, would substantially increase the recovery of any kind of operation. Even a plant or a documentary about nature would already decrease the number of analgesics that the patients would take.

Furthermore, a walk in the forest decreases cortisol and adrenaline (stress hormone): for men a decrease of 30% and women 50%!

Japanese scientist have already proved that less people die from cancer in the surroundings of forests.

As noted, biophilia is the inherent human inclination to affiliate with natural systems and processes, especially life and life-like features of the nonhuman environment.

The rustle of the leaves, do plants have the ability to communicate?

Plants communicate directly with our immune system and the unconscious without having to touch them, much less ingest them. This fascinating interaction between humans and plants, which science is now beginning to understand little by little, is of great importance for medicine and psychotherapy. In addition to keeping us physically and mentally healthy, it prevents disease. In the future, accompanying plants will necessarily play an important role in the treatment of physical and psychological illnesses. There will be no clinic without a garden or without access to meadows and forests, nor populations without natural areas or cities where there is no nature.

Hildegard von Bingen (1098-1179)

Humans communicate through codified process (language) and so do plants: they do it through chemical substances, same as insects: vegetal words (terpenoids).

Shinrin-Yoku - Forest bath

Japanese researchers have found that leaving the civilized world behind for a few hours could be the healthiest thing you do all day.

Your average walk in the park may help you relax a little, but shinrin-yoku, developed in Japan in the 1980s, requires participants to deliberately engage with nature using all five senses. Portions of the walks are often done in silence, and cell phone use is discouraged.

By combining mindfulness and spending time in nature—two activities that have restorative properties on their own— shinrin-yoku can yield significant health advantages: A study conducted across 24 forests in Japan found that when people strolled in a wooded area, their levels of the stress hormone cortisol plummeted almost 16 percent more than when they walked in an urban environment. And the effects were quickly apparent: Subjects' blood pressure showed improvement after about 15 minutes of the practice. But one of the biggest benefits may come from breathing in chemicals called phytoncides, emitted by trees and plants. Women who logged two to four hours in a forest on two consecutive days saw a nearly 40 percent surge in the activity of cancer-fighting white blood cells, according to one study. "Phytoncide exposure reduces stress hormones, indirectly increasing the immune system's ability to kill tumor cells," says Tokyo-based researcher Qing Li, MD, PhD, who has studied shinrin-yoku. Even if you don't live near a forest, studies suggest that just looking at green space—say, the trees outside your office window—helps reduce muscle tension and blood pressure.

Practical tips: how to strengthen your immune system in the forest

* Staying at least 2 hours in a forest environment and not walking more than 2,5 hours

* Plan your route, do not fatigue

* If you fatigue, take a rest and sit down

* If you get thirsty, best water or tea

* Pick up an interesting view or spot and sit down to read or meditate

* The Biofilia Effect .Clement G. Arvay

Home Staging: Top Frequent Staging Questions

duda-wsm@mijndomein.nl — Fri, 27 Mar 2020 10:50:57 GMT

Home Staging: Top Frequent Staging Questions

If done correctly, home staging really does work. Making your home attractive to potential buyers and helping them visualize themselves in your home is essential.

Does Staging really work?

If you look around, you’ll see the area of home staging is growing. More sellers are hiring professional home stagers. Agents are recommending staging or including it in their services. There are a growing number of articles, books, and blogs on staging. More are coming out every day. If staging were not successful, this field would not be growing like it is.

Why does Home Staging work?

Staging is completed to show the home in its best light. It’s just like detailing a car before you sell it. Staging makes your home look more expensive.

It suggests to buyers that you take excellent care of your home.

Only 10% of us can envision the potential of a home, so the rest won’t be able to see what it could look like if it was cleaned and de-cluttered.

Buyers want to do as little work as possible when buying a home. If they see a home that looks like it needs any type of work, all they see is money, effort, and time spent getting the home the way they want it.

By doing the work for buyers, they feel they can just move right in and relax and enjoy their new home.

Many buyers assume if you can’t bother making your home look good while selling it, then perhaps you’ve neglected routine maintenance or repairs. This sends up a red flag.

When you show buyers how to use each space, buyers are able to envision themselves just moving right in. They don’t wonder which rooms work best for different purposes. When they have to think about how to use each room, they wonder whether there really are enough rooms in the home. They second guess—something you don't want.

Finally, it justifies the price you’re asking and doesn’t give them any areas where they can suggest taking money off the price because everything will be in excellent condition.

How Does Staging Affect My Home's Listing and Selling Price?

Staging enables you to list your home for more than you could if the home weren’t staged. You can list it for what it’s truly worth, rather than listing it for more than it’s worth if all the staging were done and just assuming you’ll allow deductions for the needed repairs or imperfections buyers notice.

Most staged homes sell for the listing price or very close to it, and sometimes even more. This can happen if there’s a bidding war or a seller wants to make sure they come in with the highest offer so they come in high just in case other offers come in.

Selling a home involves so many factors. Staging is one component, but if the other components are not in place, no amount of staging will help. Here are just a few other factors that come into place.

What Does the Overall Home Staging Process Look Like?

First, they will do a thorough observation and evaluation of your home. We work on a 7-step staging plan and evaluation is the first step. The stager will take measurements to draw rough floor plans and make note of large pieces. They will also take lots of pictures of all the rooms and spaces, and from different angles.

Next, the stager will go back to the office and prepare a detailed, extensive report that includes: the home’s positive features and negative features; a suggested floor plan; suggestions and ideas; tips and tricks; resources; as well as a thorough outline of the steps to take and how to complete each step. They will usually come back and go over the report with you and walk through the home with the plan.

If you need more help, most stagers will offer a package that includes coming back to help with the implementation of the staging plan they developed for you. This is usually charged by the hour, ½ day, or full day.

How Do I Know If I Need to Stage or Not?

It is recommended all homes should be staged: residential, new construction, townhouses, vacant homes, and rental apartments or homes. We also suggest staging regardless of market conditions. In other words, we believe everyone and every home can benefit from staging. Some may need more staging than others, but all homes should be staged.

What is Biophilic Design? How do we use Biophilic Design in our spaces?

5 habits to close the year and to improve your well-being

Tools to create Unity in your Space

When decorating a home, it is essential that all rooms are connected in harmony in order to get the feeling that they are a part of the whole. In this blog I will explain some tricks to follow when creating Unity in a Space:

How to use color with Biophilic Design

The Best Indoor Plants to Cool Air

Snake Plant, Sansevieria or Dracaena trifasciata:

What else can you do with plants?

More information?

Holistic Design-Just much more than Design

Design is for solving problems

How does Aromatherapy influence your Well Being at Home?

9 Tips to use Aromatherapy at Home

What is Biophilic Design? Why do we use it in Interior Design?

5 Tips to use natural elements in the built environment - from plants to pictures

The Biophilia effect

The healing power of trees and plants I

Home Staging: Top Frequent Staging Questions

Home Staging: Top Frequent Staging Questions

When decorating a home, it is essential that all rooms are connected in harmony in order to get the feeling that they are a part of the whole.

In this blog I will explain some tricks to follow when creating Unity in a Space: