Hi, there are so many posts on my home makeover blog now, I just want to make sure you can find what you're looking for. There is a "Search" box for you to use, but I find the "Categories" section is the most helpful tool, on the right hand side of the page. (If you're using a mobile phone, you need to scroll down past the ten article summaries before you will find the boxes, sorry!). Here, you will find six [...]
I have received so many wonderful client reviews and recommendations recently... I wanted to share some with you: Peter, in Wolverhampton, wrote this on my facebook page: "I tried to sell my house for four months with no success and what little feedback I had hinted that the decor needed updating, come to think of it, they didn't hint, they were quite blunt about it. Someone suggested I needed professional help, I think they meant a psychiatrist actually, but instead [...]
My Top 10 Declutter Tips: 1. Don’t follow all the latest “guaranteed” Declutter trends – for example over one month, declutter one item on the first day, two on the second, three on the third etc. Just get serious, and commit to doing a thorough job. 2. When planning a declutter, allow twice as much time as you think you will need – at least. Otherwise, you probably won’t finish the project completely, which can just add to the problem. [...]
How to declutter your attic - and keep it that way. I have had several cluttered attic projects this year, and although my clients needed help for different reasons (bereavement, planning to move home, general declutter), the attic declutter process has remained the same. There are some 'before' and 'after' photos of an attic at the end of this article. To declutter your attic and keep it that way in the future, work through these six steps: 1) Plan in advance. It [...]
I'm often asked how I first met Ann Maurice, TV's House Doctor, and I have to say it was completely by accident. However, she managed to change my life. Following a BSc Degree in Hotel and Catering Management in Manchester, I enjoyed managing various hotels for several years and I lived in exotic places such as Jersey, Guernsey and Bermuda. Finally returning to the UK, I moved into retail management, and developed a theory that good presentation was the key to success. [...]
My brief for this Showhome in Nottingham was to produce the biggest impact on the smallest budget. As usual! With careful planning and design, considering the needs of any potential buyers, within two weeks of my initial consultation, this was the result. The developer was delighted - and I quote - "Looking great, I have to say! You have done a great job. The flat has a lovely feel, I am delighted, and it's such a pleasure to work with someone who delivers [...]
So, what do you carry in your handbag? Just what you need for the trip you are taking today, or months and months of accumulated "stuff" that just weighs you down? This is the topic up for discussion on BBC Radio Derby this morning. If you have a handbag clutter problem, the best advice I can give is for you to start fresh. Spend a few minutes thinking about your normal day to day life. Lots of things will [...]
Today, the Derby Telegraph published a double page article on some of the problems I discover when I'm called-in to help to prepare a house for sale: Derby Telegraph article Here's the full article: Home horrors that need fixing before you can sell your property VIOLENT violet on the walls, terrifying tarantulas in the spare bedroom and psychedelic swirls on the living room carpet. It's enough to put off the most enthusiastic house buyer. And this is why people [...]
This was the second article in the Derby Telegraph, relating to the makeover of this home in Derby - because it sold within the week!! http://www.derbytelegraph.co.uk/8203-Sold-week-Makeover-did-trick-Darley-Abbey/story-28018284-detail/story.html Derby Telegraph article summary: FIRST impressions count for property buyers as vendor Jonathan Oakes discovered. After having his Darley Abbey home restyled in preparation for an open day, his property sold within a week. Jonathan knew his bachelor pad, 17 Folly Road, needed "a woman's touch" so called in professional home stager Lynn Pick [...]
This was the first article in the Derby Telegraph, relating to a property we staged in Derby. The property sold within a week - so see the link to the follow-up article at the end of this page! http://www.derbytelegraph.co.uk/Magical-makeover-spacious-family-home/story-27940377-detail/story.html#1 Daily Telegraph Article summary: See the difference: Darley Abbey home is given makeover for open day 17 Folly Road, Darley Abbey, is on the market after a stunning makeover WITH a name like Oakes, it was almost inevitable that Jonathan would become [...]
