Can you believe it? 4 years ago on August 15, 2009 – Stagetecture began as an idea for helping homeowners stage their homes for sale and today it has grown to a home lifestyle destination that is trafficked worldwide by loyal and new Stagetecture readers. I thank you for helping Stagetecture become a wonderful “home” to help grow with all of you.

Image via: SLS Hotels

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Over the last 4 years here’s just a few milestones Stagetecture has accomplished:

• Over 1,000 guest bloggers who bring you varied expertise across all Stagetecture’s categories
• Over 2,700 posts dedicated to making your home a place you love to live in.
• Nearly 9,000 images that Stagetecture has grown to be known for – several thousand are on Stagetecture’s Pinterest boards
• Over 3,000 fans on Stagetecture’s Facebook page, Nearly 5,000 Twitter followers, Over 3,000 on Pinterest and countless number of comments from you over the years.

Image via: Confetti Daydreams

Milestones for me personally and for Stagetecture:

When you grow a blog/website it becomes like your child. Who has been raised from infancy into adolescence, teenager and then into adulthood. Over the last years I’ve definietly gone through the “Terrible Two’s” of website issues, loss of Facebook Fans from new algorhythms and other “small meltdown” issues I won’t bore you with! He he.. but Stagetecture survived and I can say is a better blog because of them. Some personal milestones for me have been:

• Launching my first Ebook – 111 Simple Tips for your Everyday Home and seeing it featured in Better Homes & Gardens
• Hosting my first radio show – Your Weekly Home at Stagetecture that is on iTunes
• Being invited to some of the most magnificent Blogger Events with home lifestyle brands
• Professionally writing for amazing blogs, publications, and home lifestyle brands

The best part of these last 4 years has been forming awesome communities and connecting with homeowners around the world that have a passion for gorgeous homes!

I look forward to many more!

-Ronique

One year ago I was fortunate enough to scratch off another item on my “Bucket List” – and this was to write a book. It had always been a dream of mine and a year ago today, June 21, 2012 (coinciding with the first day of Summer and my late Father’s birthday) – I decided it was time to put my thoughts to paper.

111 Simple Tips for your Everyday Home – ebook was born and I have had such wonderful success with it:

• It was featured in Better Homes & Gardens’ – Kitchens & Bath – November/December 2012 edition. 
• It was featured on Freshome – 11 Clever Ways to Maximize Space in Every Room of your Home
• I created my first video featuring 111 Simple Tips Ebook on Stagetecture’s You Tube Channel
• I created a Stagetecture Affiliate program for anyone who wanted to help promote the ebook to their readers & friends.

I was featured and mentioned on several blogs, radio shows and interviews over the course of the year. It has been a wonderful experience.

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Take the guess work out of organizing, decorating, and maximizing space in your home with 

111 Simple Tips for your Everyday Home Ebook

Order your copy for $11

Click on the shopping cart button to safely pay for your copy with Paypal, or major credit card. You will be able to download your copy of the ebook directly to your computer, and will receive an email with the immediate directions.

To celebrate the 1 year anniversary I am giving you a special offer:

BOGO – Buy One Get One (to give to a friend!)

Throughout the summer months – June, July, August you can buy one copy of 111 Simple Tips Ebook and then I will send you a free download code to forward to a friend (or I will send it to them on your behalf!)

A few weeks ago I had a Facebook Stagetecture fan purchase a copy and then she forwarded the free copy to another Facebook Olioboard Fan Room member – who was so surprised to receive it!

Testimonials:

Here’s what they said –

“I am amazed that you are able to bring so many thoughtful and real world home solutions to the forefront, in such a delightful and clear manner, with quite beautiful and applicable photographs. I love that the book is divided into sections so that I can solve the issue that I want to tackle on any given day, or time. Your ideas, from the office, to the children’s room are truly inspiring and conscientious. I also appreciate that you assist us with the areas that are often avoided, from the laundry room to the garage, and I am glad that you are speaking from your own experience as well. Congratulations on your unique and timely book. Thank you also for the give one to a friend gift.”

Best wishes,
Michelle Clark

“111 Tips for your home is the pocket book of pocket books, for an aspiring designer like myself. This book gives so many great tips from hallway decorating, to how to clean and keep your home from clutter. I was very inspired and will use all this information to help me design and create spaces based on these tips. I had a lot of questions before and well, they were answered immediately when I started to read. Very informative and great for anyone to have in the home for a great reference guide to fabulosity!!! ”
Tee Jay Interiors – Blog & Olioboard
Terri Jones, Kent, WA

Thank you Stagetecture readers! Here’s to a beautiful home!

-Ronique

Best of 2012 – #1

Stagetecture’s 111 Simple Home Tips Decor Ebook

What a year this has been Stagetecture readers! I was so elated to bring you my first ebook in 2012 – ‘111 Simple Tips for your Everyday Home’ ebook and I was excited that this post was THE MOST trafficked post of the year! Thank you readers for loving the book that inspires every room of your home!

Take the guess work out of organizing, decorating, and maximizing space in your home with this Ebook.

111 Simple Tips for your Everyday Home Ebook

Order your copy for $11

Click on the shopping cart button to safely pay for your copy with Paypal, or major credit card. You will be able to download your copy of the ebook directly to your computer, and will receive an email with the immediate directions.

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Sneak Peek – First 3 chapters free to you!

Since the launch of ‘111 Simple Tips for your Everyday Home‘ ebook I have had wonderful comments, and kind words from all that have downloaded the ebook. I was so excited to see my ebook was featured in Better Home’s & Garden’s – Kitchen + Bath November/December 2012 issue!

111 Tips for $11

Click on the shopping cart button to safely pay for your copy with Paypal, or major credit card. You will be able to download your copy of the ebook directly to your computer, and will receive an email with the immediate directions.

Interested in the Affiliate Program?

• Promote the ebook on your blog, website, email, or social media sites and earn a percentage of the book sales! For more information click here –> Join my Affiliate Program!

Commonly Asked Question/Answers:

• When paying you will go through a ‘Paypal’ interface. If you wish to use a credit card instead of a Paypal account, click on “Don’t have Paypal account” once on the Paypal website.

• Do you want to refer this book to a friend? Have them visit HomeTipsEbook.com to come directly to this page for easy ordering, or click ‘Ronique’s Home Decor Ebook’ button in the right hand side bar of Stagetecture.com.

• Questions or Download Problems? Feel free to visit the Contact Us Form on Stagetecture. (Many questions will be answered on the email you receive after paying. Please refer to your email directions first.)

Thank you Stagetecture readers! Here’s to a beautiful home!

-Ronique

For more DIY ideas on Stagetecture, & Stagetecture’s YouTube Channel, click here.

Since the launch of ‘111 Simple Tips for your Everyday Home‘ ebook I have had wonderful comments, and kind words from all that have downloaded the ebook. I was so excited to see my ebook was featured in Better Home’s & Garden’s – Kitchen + Bath November/December 2012 issue!

I also contributed to the “Quick Updates – Big Impact’ article on page 14. Pick up your issue at the magazine newsstand today.

Sneak Peek – First 3 chapters free to you!

111 Tips for $11

Click on the shopping cart button to safely pay for your copy with Paypal, or major credit card. You will be able to download your copy of the ebook directly to your computer, and will receive an email with the immediate directions.

Interested in the Affiliate Program?

• Promote the ebook on your blog, website, email, or social media sites and earn a percentage of the book sales! For more information click here –> Join my Affiliate Program!

Commonly Asked Question/Answers:

• When paying you will go through a ‘Paypal’ interface. If you wish to use a credit card instead of a Paypal account, click on “Don’t have Paypal account” once on the Paypal website.

• Do you want to refer this book to a friend? Have them visit HomeTipsEbook.com to come directly to this page for easy ordering, or click ‘Ronique’s Home Decor Ebook’ button in the right hand side bar of Stagetecture.com.

• Questions or Download Problems? Feel free to visit the Contact Us Form on Stagetecture. (Many questions will be answered on the email you receive after paying. Please refer to your email directions first.)

Thank you Stagetecture readers! Here’s to a beautiful home!

-Ronique

For more home improvement ideas on Stagetecture, click here.

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

I always get excited when I hear that my ebook – 111 Simple Tips for your Everyday Home is giving home inspiration and ideas to other homeowners. I’m delighted to share that Simply Stacie reviewed my ebook and is sharing with its readers a great giveaway.

Here’s what Simply Stacie is saying about the ebook:

“… breaks down simple and attainable design and organizing tips for every room in your home – from the kitchen to the garage. Her ideas fit all budgets – whether you are looking to do a total renovation of simply just “freshen up” a space. A great tip for a tired bedroom when you’re on a tight budget – simply replace your bedding and give it a fresh coat of paint to bring it back to life. One of her tips for the bathroom is to paint the ceiling the same color as the walls to make a small bathroom space seems larger. We’re going to implement that tip in the next few weeks when we redo our entryway guest bath – I’m excited to see how it turns out! This eBook has a wealth of information for every style, budget, and taste, but it’s short and sweet, making it an easy read.” … Simply Stacie.

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Whether you have gotten your copy or you are still wondering about it, here’s your chance to win:

• A free copy of 111 Simple Tips for your Everyday Home
• A $20 Amazon Giftcard.

Get all the details how to enter the giveaway on Simply Stacie. Thank you fro the wonderful review and I wish my Stagetecture readers good luck in entering the giveaway!

For more information about 111 Simple Tips for your Everyday Home, click here.

Last night I had a wonderful interview and chat with Rebecca Parsons, host of ‘Artistically Speaking Talk Show’ on Blog Talk Radio. It was a great way to find out more about myself than I really think I ever have thought about. From my childhood to current day, Rebecca kept the wonderful questions coming about my first attraction to architecture and design to my creative entrepreneurship that led me to finding Stagetecture back in 2009.

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Whether you want to learn more about me and Stagetecture, or you just want to learn about blogging, how to take chances and overcome your fears to try something new – this interview is a must listen to!

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Did you miss the show? No worries, you can click here to be directed to the show. –> Blog Talk Radio

To listen to my past Stagetecture radio shows, click here

I’m excited to announce this Sunday, July 8th, 2012 at 6:30pm EST I will be interviewed by Rebecca Parsons on her Blog Talk Radio Show ‘Artistically Speaking Talk Show’ ..giving voice to a new generation of creative entrepreneurs.

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Rebecca has one of the top podcasts on iTunes in the visual arts genre and I can’t be more excited to talk about my new ebook – 111 Simple Tips for your Everyday Home, blogging, and my passions that led me to create Stagetecture.com.

I met Rebecca at the Sears/Kmart Sandra Lee event back in April of this year in NYC, and was surprised to learn we live less than 50 miles away from each other in Florida! Please join us this Sunday it will be a great time. I love Rebecca’s podcast because it focuses on creative entrepreneurial stories, and the creative passions that we all share!

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When: Sunday, July 8th, 2012 at 6:30pm EST

Where: Artistically Speaking Talk Show’ – Blog Talk Radio Show

How: click here –> Podcast/Talk Show

About Rebecca Parsons:

Cre8Tive Compass and REP MEdia produce and present Artistically Speaking Talk Show…giving voice to a new generation of creative entrepreneurs. Every Artist has a story…we tell them here. ASTS is an interactive radio talk show by and for artists, artisans, craftsmen, creative entrepreneurs and the creatively self-employed. Show founder and host Rebecca E. Parsons is a fine artist, master decorative painter and Editor-in-Chief of Cre8Tive Compass Magazine. She brings a casual warmth and humor to the shows that make for some lively conversation and hijinks galore.

Can’t wait and hope you join us on Sunday, July 8th!

For more media appearances for Stagetecture, click here.

It seems that the common misconception among homeowners is that irrespective of what home improvement or personalization project they perform, the value of the investment will be recuperated tenfold when they sell the house.

Far from it, because while certain home improvements will boost the real estate value of your residence and will partially reimburse their costs, most of them are fairly ineffective money-wise. To put it simply, you can expect the vast majority of improvements to return approximately 85% of the initial money spent at best! The singular exception to this rule comprises of adding a front door constructed from stainless steel, because the median ROI for this project is around 102%.

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I would like to point out that this guide refers exclusively to home improvements that have the role of increasing the resale value of the property. Strictly speaking, if one (or more) of the renovation projects from the ones I’m about to discuss serve the purpose of making your residence more enjoyable and you can afford to allocate the budget for them, there is no reason why you shouldn’t execute it. When you do not plan to relocate anytime soon, I strongly advise you to customize and personalize your home just the way you like it. All I’m saying is that you shouldn’t expect their ROI to surpass your investment.

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Without further ado, here are the projects that score lowest with respect to the return of investment.

Constructing a personal home office (where it applies) 

Working from home is one of the trends that continue to grow constantly, as outsourcing has become a financially viable solution for numerous enterprises. However, you should remember that this trend is still in its infancy and there are still numerous people that go to work every morning. Just look at the traffic jams and you will get the idea.

When you are looking for prospective buyers, your choices will be limited to people with this work style, because it is very unlikely that a person will be willing to invest extra in a convenience he does not utilize. In financial terms, home office investment will return less than 50% from the original sum spent.

Acquiring movable office furniture (chairs, solid desks, bookcases, etc.) would constitute a more reasonable alternative for those who work from home. These items can be transported to your next residence, so there is no need to purchase new ones when you decide it’s time to move.

Building sunrooms

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Yes, it is true that sunrooms have received a great deal of attention over the last few years and yes, it seems cool to have one. Even so, you cannot expect this project to return more than 51% from the original investment because to most it appears to be a waste of good space. Most people will prefer nurseries or guest rooms to a sunroom, due to obvious practical reasons.

If you want to enjoy the sunlight and have a place where you can relax on your off hours, then covered patios/decks are a considerably better choice. The lower initial costs and the higher return of investment recommend them to a sunroom any day!

Constructing a new bathroom  

Right, at first glance the fact that an additional bathroom is a bad investment may appear counterintuitive. After all, most people would prefer having more than one bathroom in their home, even if it is for emergency purposes only, wouldn’t they? As it turns out, you will not be able to recuperate over 60% from the investment in an additional bathroom and it is all because of the highly concentrated price per square footage.

This implies that while the new bathroom increases the desirability of your house, it will cost you A LOT to construct it. Think of piping, fixtures, approvals, drains, etc. In this case, the alternative is to upgrade the bathroom fixtures you already have with superior looking and functioning variants.

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Expanding your current garage

You will not believe how much effort, money and time go into this type of project. And, considering that the single functionality of the garage is protecting your vehicle(s) from the elements or storing junk you don’t want lying around the house, you cannot expect a ROI higher than 62% at best. Instead of going to all that trouble to boost its size, you could do the following:

• Put on a fresh paint coating
• Winterize and insulate it
• Make good use of the available space by throwing away useless items.

Hello, I’m Chad and you can check out numerous great ways to improve your home by visiting www.superiorstoneandcabinet.com!

For more home selling tips on Stagetecture, click here.

Thank you all for telling me how much you are enjoying ‘111 Simple Tips for your Everyday Home’ ebook! I was asked last week to do an interview about the book for I am Rehan blog site and I was happy to be asked!

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Find out what prompted me to write the book, what is  coming up next for Stagetecture and how this book is different from other home decor ebooks in my interview.

To read the full interview,visit ‘Interview on the Author of 111 Simple Home Tips Decor ebook‘ here.

To receive more home inspiration get 111 Simple Tips for your Everyday Home Ebook here.

Whether you  enjoy playing golf to vent the frustrations of another dull day at office, you do it as a method of transacting business, or you simply walk the green and swing at your leisure as a way to get in some physical fitness, golf could be your sport of choice. But there’s no denying that a club membership (not to mention your physical clubs and other equipment) come with a pretty hefty price tag; it’s not exactly the cheapest pastime. So if you’re looking for ways to practice for less or save yourself some time on your many trips to the green in the course of a week, why not think about installing a putting green in your backyard? Here are just a few things to consider when it comes to bringing your favorite sport to your backyard.

Image via: Land & Water Design

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How much space do you have?

The first thing to think about is how much space you’ll need in order to create an adequate putting green. Although putting greens can be just about any size, the general consensus seems to be that an 8×8 foot square is preferable. You can definitely alter this formula to suit your space. Suppose, for example, that your yard is rectangular rather than square; you could create a green that is longer and thinner. Or if your yard is already landscaped you can make an irregularly shaped green with more than one hole for putting practice. The point is that you can make the space you have work for you, but eight feet of space from end to end seems to be about the minimum. Of course, you probably won’t get anywhere near the size featured at professional courses, but this is just for fun and practice; if you want the amenities of a pro course you can simply visit one.

Cost and materials

Next you need to think about the materials and costs involved. For example, do you prefer live grass or would you rather install a fake green that requires less maintenance? Some people swear by synthetic turf while others would rather use the real deal. Either way you’ll likely have to consider swapping out your sod. And you no doubt want a level space to work with, which means even the slightest grade or uneven surface will have to be tamped down and re-graded in order to ensure a flat surface for your putting green. You also need to decide whether you will do all of the labor yourself or have a company like Putters Edge install your green for you. The latter option could cost you thousands of dollars, but if you want to simulate, say, the eighteenth hole from the Errol Estate Golf and Country Club in your backyard you’ll probably need some help to get it done.

Image : Sycamore Landscaping

Of course, not everyone can afford to bring their favorite exotic resort-like golf course home with them. But with a little research you can figure out how to create your own putting green complete with proper soil, sod, and holes. And you can make maintenance as simple or complex as you like depending on the materials you choose. No matter what route you select when it comes to creating your backyard putting green, you’re likely to save money over time on the fees associated with hitting up the club for putting practice. And you’re sure to enjoy the convenience of having the putting green mere steps from your back door.

For more outdoor ideas on Stagetecture, click here.

Find more outdoor home inspiration in 111 Simple Tips for your Everyday Home Ebook here.