Every year I look back from the August 15th of the previous year to the current one and am amazed by the wonderful blessings that have been bestowed upon me! On August 15, 2009 Stagetecture was a “no-name” blog with a place to collect my home staging and organizing ideas. 5 years later, and 3500+ posts later, Stagetecture is visited by hundreds of thousands of readers and I couldn’t have done it without you, my family, my colleagues, and the wonderful friends that touch me daily in all of my social media communities.

Stagetecture’s 5th Anniversary & Past Year Highlights!

What’s next for Stagetecture? More original food photography and more great recipes!

Here’s a quick recap of the biggest and most memorable highlights of the last year:

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September 2013

Sub-Zero/Wolf – New Generation Media Event

I was invited to Madison, Wisconsin once again to witness the unveiling of the biggest rollout of new technology and new appliances for the Sub-Zero/Wolf brand.

October 2013

Lamps Plus Contributor – ‘Style Illuminated’ Blog – October 2013

It was a joy to join the Lamps Plus blog as one of their contributors to the stylish design blog. My Lamps Plus features you can see here.

Stagetecture was also nominated for Best Home Design Blog on Lamps Plus and came in 5th place

#BlogTour LA

In August I was invited to Los Angeles, California for Modenus’ BlogTour. See all of the design BlogTour LA highlights here.

November 2013

The Decluttered Home blog – I become their “Home Staging” expert

Presented by Uncle Bob’s Storage, I already had enjoyed contributing to the Get Storganized blog. I was thrilled to be featured on the Decluttered Home blog where I now write a monthly feature, and am featured in home staging videos and provide valuable information in their brochures that are handed out at local Uncle Bob’s Self Storage facilities.

January 2014

I join the Interior Design Community Moderator on Google+ as the Blogging Expert

February 2014

Kitchen Bath Industry Show – Las Vegas, Nevada

Along with the Interior Designer community moderators I went to Las Vegas! It was my first time attending KBIS – it was great to meet and interview kitchen and bath brands like Poggenpohl, Top Knobs, Moen, Brizo and more!

Tile of Spain Architectural Trip – Valencia & Madrid, Spain

My first time traveling internationally and was the time of a lifetime. I traveled with The Tile of Spain to visit the Cevisama Tile Show, visit Spanish tile manufacturer factories and saw these beautiful historical architectural cities. To see all of the Tile of Spain highlights, visit here.

May 2014

#BlogHerFood – Miami, Florida

I attended my first food blogging conference! It was a treat to meet other foodies, attend the brand sponsored events … and I won a KitchenAid Mixer  Can’t wait in the future months to collaborate with KitchenAid again in Autumn 2014

June 2014

Invited to Streamsong Resort in Central Florida

This was an amazing trip in which me and 3 other architectural journalists met Alberto Alfonso, Architect and witnessed the grandeur of this tucked away masterful resort. See the Streamsong Resort highlights here on Freshome.

August 2014

I’m invited to #Cersaie – Tile and Bathroom Furnishings Show in Bologna, Italy – Sep 22-26

I can’t wait to take you along with me as I experience another great international tile show and share all of the sights and design experiences from Bologna this fall.

What’s coming up for Stagetecture in “her” 5th year? My imagination can’t even fathom it!

I’m excited for:

New opportunities, collaborations with brands, following my passion of food blogging and photography and new home ideas, a “new look” for Stagetecture’s website, and bringing you more home life solutions.

-Thank you everyone for making Stagetecture what it is today!

-Ronique

Well the day is finally here! Joanne Mathis from Mathis Interiors Blog Talk Radio and myself have launched our new joint venture – Mathis & Gibson Media! Tomorrow  – September 21st at 11:00amEST is the official Mathis Gibson Media launch party – find more details here, or scroll to the bottom of this post.

Mathis & Gibson Media website

First I want to tell you about our new website located here: MathisGibsonMedia.com it will have all the information on how you can gain exposure on Stagetecture & Mathis Interiors Radio together or separately.

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Inaugural Digital Magazine

To debut Mathis & Gibson Media – we wanted to assure that all the information – who we are, what service we can provide, and exposure opportunities were in a beautiful digital magazine! Take a look below, visit us at Mathis Gibson Media.com for more information and to contact us!

Here’s a direct link to the digital magazine —> Mathis Gibson Media digital magazine.

Mathis & Gibson Media

Mathis & Gibson Media – Launch Party

Join us on Facebook | Twitter – #MathisGibson | Blog Talk Radio

When: Sept. 21, 2012 – 11:00am EST

Twitter: First – Follow me at Stagetecture  and Joanne at Mathis Interiors – then join the party – Hashtag – #MathisGibson

Facebook: Follow Stagetecture & Mathis Interiors

Blog Talk Radio: Mathis & Gibson Launch Party show  – Special surprise guests will drop in. Make sure and listen in while we Tweet & post on Facebook!

It will be so much fun! We will be giving away prizes, talking about how Mathis & Gibson Media will bring you new opportunities: whether you are a brand, enthusiasts, entrepreneur, listener, reader, international lifestyle person wanting to showcase your talents, goods, services, this party will give you details and we will of course CHAT!!

Join Joanne and me tomorrow – Friday, Sept. 21st at 11:00am EST on Facebook, Twitter, and hear us on Blog Talk Radio – talk about a Multi-media event!!!  All at the same time…. CAN’T WAIT!

For the last year I have been saying that I wanted to accomplish a few things:

• Publish a design ebook – 111 Simple Tips for your Everyday Home
• Be on a podcast and Blog Talk Radio – Artistically Speaking and Mathis Interiors Radio
• Create a Media Kit (That I put off for 2 years) – Advertising
• Create a You Tube Channel – Stagetecture You Tube Channel

and the last item on my list:

To reach a broader number of people through multi-media…

I’m excited to announce that I am joint venturing into a new project that will make this possible!

Introducing: Mathis & Gibson Media

I am joining Joanne Mathis from Mathis Interiors Blog Talk Radio show.  We are partnering to launch Mathis & Gibson Media – A multi-media venture to bring my Stagetecture readers and her Blog Talk Radio listeners multiple ways to connect and share creative ventures. Her listeners will be able to reach Stagetecture readers and vice versa. This opens up the opportunities for you to engage with Blog Talk Radio, as well as her guests to bring their creative content to Stagetecture and Stagetecture’s guest bloggers, DIY content and other home lifestyle topics will be featured on Mathis Interiors Radio.

We will be connecting:

* Radio    * Lifestyle Blog    *Video   *Digital Magazine

Find out more next week.. I’ve already let out enough!

On September 21, 2012 at 11:00am we will be officially launching and having a party!

Mathis & Gibson Media Launch Party

Join us on Twitter – Facebook – Blog Talk Radio

When: Sept. 21, 2012 – 11:00am EST

Twitter: First – Follow me at Stagetecture  and Joanne at Mathis Interiors – then join the party – Hashtag – #MathisGibson

Facebook: Follow Stagetecture & Mathis Interiors

Blog Talk Radio: Mathis & Gibson Launch Party show

It will be so much fun! We will be giving away prizes, talking about how Mathis & Gibson Media will bring you new opportunities: whether you are a brand, enthusiasts, entrepreneur, listener, reader, international lifestyle person wanting to showcase your talents, goods, services, this party will give you details and we will of course CHAT!!

Join Joanne and me next Friday, Sept. 21st at 11:00am EST on Facebook, Twitter, and hear us on Blog Talk Radio – talk about a Multi-media event!!!  All at the same time…. CAN’T WAIT!

Wheh hew!

-Ronique

Custom Spice Rack Drawer Organizer

With our kitchen renovation well on the way, it quickly became obvious that we wouldn’t be able to mount a spice rack inside the cabinet door like I had always planned on doing. This is a sacrifice we were gladly willing to make for glass front cabinets.
Color me obsessed, but I just can’t get enough of these spice/herb jars from Target’s Archer Farms brand. I have been grabbing a few every time I go to Target. They aren’t cheap, but we plan on refilling the bottles as we use through the spices.

All images via The Cavendar Diary

The bottles are square, so I wondered if I could just line them up in a drawer. They certainly wouldn’t roll much, but how to keep them in place like little soldiers? Hhhhmmmm,
I picked up a few strips of wood trim from the hardware store…

A quarter round base board trim and an “L” shaped corner piece. The L shaped will hold the bottom of the jar and the quarter round will cradle the neck.

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I glued the strips onto the drawer bottom with Elmer’s wood glue, and pressed them down with a brick ’till they were dry. They will peel up easily off the laminated drawer bottom if we change our mind someday…which we probably won’t. on whatever size bottles you are using.

It’s quite an easy project. With simply stunning results. Our bottles are all the same, but this would still look just as great with 3 different rows of 3 different jar sizes.

How amazing is this? Now, everything that we need is close at hand….and so easy to find. No more digging to the back of the cabinet for dried oregano.

James Angus is a design/DIY enthusiast with 20 plus years of retail visual experience. Currently, he can be found designing display windows for Ralph Lauren. He and his partner Jamie have been documenting the ups and downs of their own home renovation on their blog thecavenderdiary.

Watch Stagetecture’s You Tube Channel for more DIY ideas

You may or may not be aware that the master bathroom can require a pretty large budget when it comes to an overhaul, but it can also deliver a decent return on investments when you opt to sell your property down the road. However, if you don’t have a large budget to work with and you’d rather not accommodate a contractor and his crew for weeks on end, there are several upgrades you can do on your own at a lot less expense. While this strategy may not get a new whirlpool tub installed in your bathroom, it can definitely allow you to do away with the outdated wallpaper and tile that make your bathroom look like it belongs in the home of Mike and Carol Brady. So here are just a few tips to create an updated look in your master bath with a limited budget and a DIY attitude.

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1. Paint

The absolute easiest area to address is going to be the wall color. Even if you’re dealing with wallpaper, you’ll be surprised at how easy the removal process can be when you use the right tools. The best option is generally to steam off old wallpaper with a simple and inexpensive hand steamer. From there you may have to do a bit of scraping or sanding, but a belt sander (and a light touch) can make the work go a little more quickly so that you can get to the painting. As for covering existing paint, consider using a paint and primer in one so that fewer coats are needed, and always use a satin or gloss finish that is moisture-resistant and easy to clean.

2. Tile

You might be a bit worried about the ease of removing and installing new tile, but the process will probably be a lot easier than you anticipate. Removing old tile is simple enough if you’re not trying to save it; a hammer and crow bar should do the trick. Then you’ll have to scrape the old grout and concrete away to create a clean, smooth surface. From there it’s just a matter of marking your layout, mixing up your concrete, and securing the tiles. If you’re unsure about the steps involved simply pop by your local Home Depot or other hardware store to inquire about lessons. Many offer a variety of workshops for free as a way to drum up business.

3. Lighting

Replacing light fixtures doesn’t have to cost a lot if you frequent Craigslist, hit up garage sales to find steals, or opt for reclaimed furniture and fixture outlets instead of buying brand new. From there it’s just a matter of turning off the proper breakers and installing your new lights.

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4. Cabinets and counters

You don’t need the expertise of master builders in order to address this area of the bathroom. The truth is that you can easily demo existing cabinets and counters and replace them on your own. Generally, you will want to buy pre-built cabinetry, and you can either find it reclaimed or check out discount stores like IKEA (or even Overstock.com) for affordable options. Then it’s just a matter of measuring for the countertop surface so that you can order it cut, finished, and ready to install (the cost depends on materials).

5. Accessories

Mirrors, towel racks, shelving, and other bathroom accessories may be the last items on your list, but you can find second-hand options in abundance at a greatly reduced cost. And with a little TLC these accessories can make for a fun family project that adds character and appeal to your master bath.

For more kitchen & bath ideas on Stagetecture, click here.

One of the best areas of your home is the bathroom and ultimately relaxing in the bathtub. It is amazing how the water in a bathtub can naturally relax and rejuvenate your body.  Adding to its comfort is the fragrance of bath soaps and bubble bath solutions. Before you can get to relax in a tub, how do you go about deciding what is best bathtub material to choose?

Having your own bathtub can be a necessity and not a luxury. With all the stress and fatigue that you have all day, it is definitely a must to find a place at home to revitalize your body. A cool and refreshing plunge in a bathtub is something your body deserves. One of the things to consider in buying a bathtub is the type of material it is made of.

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To give you some of the best bathtub materials, you can choose from the following:

Fiberglass

This one is lightweight but sturdy. A gel-coated fiberglass bathtub is best for people who are on a tight budget since it is less expensive compared with other bathtub materials. Fiberglass bathtub can be fabricated according to how you want it to look like. It also comes in different colors as preferred. It is easy to maintain and naturally glossy.

Acrylic

An acrylic bathtub is naturally shiny like a glass. It has similar characteristics with a fiberglass like it does not fade and stain resistant. This material provides natural warmth and typically lightweight. It is easy to fabricate and can last a long time. Acrylic is one of the most popular bathtub materials in the market today.

Porcelain

Porcelain-made bathtub is quite expensive. This type of bathtub requires a sturdy base because of its substantial weight. Unlike acrylic, a porcelain bathtub is naturally cold. It is scratch-free and highly durable. A porcelain bathtub is noticeably elegant and stylish. It comes in different shapes, curves and colors.

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Marble

This type of material for your bathtub is more expensive than acrylic but lesser than porcelain. You can find several designs for this type but customizing one will be very costly. Marble bathtub requires more maintenance.

Whether you are getting ready for a bathroom remodel or you are looking at moving soon, choosing the right bathroom material for your budget and lifestyle is essential. Use these tips to make choosing the perfect bathtub material easier!

For more kitchen & bath ideas on Stagetecture, click here.

Not all of us have the luxury of space in our living room. You often find it very difficult to accommodate the furniture you have so as not to create an impression of getting your living room too crowded. Having a limited space will restrict you from choosing the furniture you like; hence, you will be bound to its dimension or size.

But having a limited living room space does not mean you cannot have a comfortable living space. You only have to be creative in furniture arrangement to embrace the little space you have. There are several things you can do in order to achieve a cozy and inviting space for entertainment and relaxation.

Here are a few tips to arrange your furniture in a small living room:

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Choose neutral colors for all your furniture.

Having a neutral color of furniture all over your living room provides an illusion of having an extended space. This tends to push back the walls and your living room will look more spacious in the eyes. You may have a combination of light brown and beige color tone on your furniture and walls. It also helps when the floor complements the shade of neutral colors you choose.

Use small and sleek furniture that is appropriate to the scale of the room.

There are several small scale furniture designs that are suitable to your need. Make sure that it is not too small that it will take away the comfort and convenience you get from bigger furniture. For instance, you can opt to get an armless chair as it is more hefty and boundless. You can also take on tulip chair and parson table for your living room. Also, custom-made furniture can be a great option.

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Add a window seat.

This is a great idea to maximize the area of your living room. A window seat will not only provide addition accommodation but an extra relaxing place in your living room. It offers an excellent view outside your home and can be a picturesque area for your guests.

These are some of the things you can do to arrange your furniture and make the best of your living room. While you may not have the largest living room, using these tips will make your small room feel welcoming and comfortable for all.

For more summer home decor ideas on Stagetecture, click here.

]]> https://stagetecture.com/how-to-arrange-your-furniture-to-make-your-room-look-larger/feed/ 2 27644 https://stagetecture.com/stagetecture-to-launch-ebook-111-simple-tips-for-your-everyday-home/ https://stagetecture.com/stagetecture-to-launch-ebook-111-simple-tips-for-your-everyday-home/#respond Sun, 03 Jun 2012 18:11:31 +0000 https://stagetecture.com/?p=27654 Entry #1248, June 3, 2012

I’ve have exciting news that I have been trying to keep secret for months now! If you subscribe to the Stagetecture – Everything Home Newsletter – you already know the exciting news! For my subscribers get daily updates and monthly features that is exclusive to them. Well without keeping the rest of you in suspense any longer…

Stagetecture is launching an ebook

111 Simple Tips for your Everyday Home

in late June 2012!

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To most of my readers, followers and friends you are yelling at your screen, “It’s about time Ronique!!!”.. ha! Well… I’m here to say, yes it is time. Stagetecture has reached many milestones in it’s 3 years of existence including: Over 1200 blog posts, over 500 guest blogs and over 4,000 gorgeous images to give you home inspiration daily. While the idea of an ebook has always been an idea of mine, I really didn’t know how to compile the essence of Stagetecture into a source that would be helpful, beautiful, and inspiring for every room in your home.

After many sleepless nights and talking with many of you, I realized that all of the information that is contained on Stagetecture is what readers already love, so compile the best tips in short snippets with beautiful images and create a room-by-room decorating and organizing ebook for everyone to enjoy!

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So why did I pick 111? Whether you believe in numerology or not, I have learned that 111 means:

“Whenever you see the sequence 111 or 1111 show up, it is a great sign of a golden opportunity. Both sequences mean that a “doorway” has opened up in which your intentions and goals will manifest extremely quickly. The Angels have taught me to focus my thoughts and intentions whenever I see 111 or 1111, almost like making a wish when a cake with candles is presented to you.“… Angel Scribe

While I was compiling my tips and ideas for this book I daily would look at the clock at 11:11, or I would have 111 views on Facebook at a particular time, or I would have 111 emails waiting to be read! After further research I realized my door of opportunity to share my ‘home love’ with the world was now.

Thus the naming of

111 Simple Tips for your Everyday Home

All the details aren’t finalized, but I can give you a sneak peek of the rooms covered in the ebook:

Front Entry

Hallways

Kitchens

Bathrooms

Kids’ Rooms

Home Offices

Small Interiors

Outdoor Home

& more!

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While I love to peruse through interior design magazines and online design blogs, isn’t there times you want to know how to make your small living room look larger now? Or your hallway seems long and boring and you want to add visual interest without taking 2 hours searching design magazines before getting the answer?

I made the ‘111 Simple Tips for your Everyday Home‘ just that, SIMPLE. You can ‘flip’ right to the room of choice and find instant tips to add color, space, save money, get organized, in your everyday home.

I can’t wait to tell you more details as we get closer to the launch date. As we get closer I will have more surprises in store!

Thanks everyone and stay close!!

-Ronique

Note: All images in this post do not relate to the ‘111 Simple Tips for your Everyday Home’ ebook, they are strictly used for inspiration and are not related to promotion of the ebook.

Outdoor furniture including patio lounge chairs offer a great comfort and convenience after a stressful day. This can be near the swimming pool, overlooking the backyard and other relaxing panorama. The popularity of having a lounge chair for a patio inspires furniture designers to create cutting edge designs. With unique and comfortable design, lounge chair will definitely attract attention and catch the interest of people to make use of the certain product.

Image via: Westelm

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There are several types of patio chairs to choose from. Some great options are:

Adirondack chairs

Although this lounging chair is seemingly traditional with its design but wait until you sit down and experience a one of a kind comfort. The design is simple yet very effective in providing its purpose. It is originally designed for outdoor and built to last most weather conditions. They now come in a variety of colors to match any outdoor patio area and can be custom built for children and adults alike.

Image via: Belgian Pearls

Rocking chairs

Rocking chairs have always been in the top priority list of people who wanted to experience a great relaxing or ‘lullaby’ at their patio. It provides a soothing sensation as it gently moves back and forth while seated. These movements allow the superb resting position for users. This type of chair is ergonomically designed for great accommodation. The effortless  provision of movements is made possible when the center of gravity is achieved while comfortably seated.

Wrought iron lounge chairs

This type of chair is popular not only because of its stylish curves and edges but also for its durability. The wrought iron material that is primarily used in this chair can last more than any other materials can offer. Taking into considerations the changing weather conditions, it is very important to take into account the level of resistance and sustainability of materials used in the construction.

Image via: Bhg

The decision in having lounging chairs for your patio should include its capacity to provide the chill, relaxing posture and durability.

For more outdoor living ideas on Stagetecture, click here.

The summer is only a few weeks away and cool summer  colors in white inspiration is all around! From your interiors to your outdoor home, white is versatile and can be casual with comfortable cotton or more formal with crisp  linens. Here are some inspiring cool white ideas for your home this summer.

Image via: The Decorista

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White outdoor home furniture

When lounging in the sun and enjoying the cool summer breezes who doesn’t enjoy relaxing white and soothing blue combinations? This nautical inspired colored scheme makes you want to go sailing on a beautiful yacht, or envision you’re on one as you close your eyes and daydream!

Image via: Bright Bazaar Blog

Slipcover perfection

Don’t shy away from white because of the upkeep! Modern slipcovers in streamlined form are great solutions to a lifestyle that needs versatility and beautiful furniture. Throw the slipcovers in the clothes washer for those mishaps that commonly happen and still brighten your interiors with summer whites.

Image via: My Paradissi

Rustic white bedroom

Add whites to rustic surfaces for a natural and organic appeal to your home interiors. This bedroom is beautiful with its reclaimed wood headboard and natural fabrics. Consider layers of white, tan, beige, gray and neutrals for a bedroom you will want to relax in all day!

Image via: Fleaing France

With warmer weather on the way, white is the perfect way to cool off and relax. Whether you are decorating your outdoor home or adding touches to your indoor summer home, create the perfect feeling with the addition of white. Layer your fabrics, textiles in variations of white for an interior that isn’t stark but rather welcoming and warm.

For more color ideas in your interiors on Stagetecture, click here.