1. Remove the four screws that mount the box to the post. Thouroghly wipe it clean.
2. Place the mailbox on top of a piece of cardboard or newspaper.  Cover the red flag with completely with paper and seal it with tape.
3. Spray the box with indoor/outdoor gloss spray paint.  Rustoleum works best! 
4. Remove the numbers from the post. Be careful not to loose the screws.  If you do, purchase new ones. A number missing its screws just won’t look right. Thoroughly clean each number with a small brush.   Paint screws with indoor/outdoor metallic gold semi gloss paint. A small bottle costs about $1.00 and can be found at your local craft store.
5. Scrape off old paint that may be peeling. Sand edges around scraped areas until smooth. 
6. Use a brush and water to clean the entire post.  Make sure to rinse it well.
7. Paint the entire post with an exterior 100% acrylic paint, either gloss or semi-gloss will work fine.
8. Once the post is dry, remount the mailbox and numbers to the post.
9. Stand back and admire your handy work.
10. Give yourself a high five for a job well done.

    Whether it is staging lived-in or vacant properties Design2Sell works magic in transforming any space. Check out some before and afters of past projects Design2Sell has had the privilege of working on…

What a difference!

To learn more about what you can do to make your space more inviting contact Design2Sell for a consultation and tips.

Sitting on the front porch, sipping on a glass of tea is a vision of relaxation. If you are fortunate enough to have a front porch, then take time to make it a space that adds value to your home by presenting it in a way that is comfortable and inviting.  A fresh coat of paint can give the space a whole new feeling. Basic white will give it that fresh, clean look.  Don’t forget the steps.  You may want to paint them the same color as the door to create unity between the inside and out. Your furniture will look new, as well as stand out, when painted with a complimentary color.  Colorful cushions and throw pillows will make the seating more comfortable.  Rather than use an area rug that might be exposed to the elements, try painting one directly on to the floor boards using exterior paint and stencils. You may even want to paint a runner that takes guests right up to the front door. Greenery can be placed in pots, or hung from posts.  Ferns are always a classic look.  In order to enjoy a book in the space during evening hours, add lighting with a lamp or two. Candles may also be a source of light and add ambiance, as well.  Your front porch is an extension of your home, an outdoor room that can be used to relax, read a book, take a nap, or share a meal. A welcoming space at the entryway to your home calls out to others to stop on in for a visit, sit awhile, and share a conversation, even if only for a little while.

 Curb Appeal makes an ordinary home a “Home Sweet Home.”

This design brings the inside out by mounting a large framed print on the left side of the porch and placing decorative lamps on the tables.

The flowers, which are planted as well as potted at the base of the steps, seem to highlight the columns which frame the entryway.

One of my favorite things to do is take a ride through some of the more classic neighborhoods in my community.  Each home is different from the rest, not like those that seem to mirror one another. As I make my way, I always find myself slowing down in front of the homes that have an eye-catching appeal. Every property goes through stages, particularly if it has been sold and resold. New owners may want a new look, achieved with a fresh coat of paint and an investment in landscape design.  Shrubs and trees continue to grow each year. Unless they are pruned regularly, they will take away from the architectural elements of a homes exterior. A well landscaped property attracts the attention of everyone who drives by.  Layers of stone features, manicured greenery, ground level shrubbery, and colorful blooms add to a homes curb appeal and offer a visual frame for the home. One must not forget, however, the path to the entryway, the porch, shutters, hardware, and the front door.  Pressure washing the walkway and steps will make them look like new. Freshly painted shutters, railings, columns, trim and door will also add to the home’s appearance. If the outside appearance is eye-catching, might the interior be just as intriguing? The features from the curb to the door make all the difference. Setting the stage outside is an important step to bringing visitors to your front door and right across the threshold.  

Curb appeal is an important element to consider in today’s market. It is what determines whether or not a visitor will drive on by, or drive on in for a closer look.  Once inside, your home will have an added advantage with professional staging touches by our expert Barbara Heil-Sonneck. Contact Design2Sell for more details on how to stage your entire home.

     Design2Sell’s Barbara Heil-Sonneck and team met with Shauna Smith and Yuri Sugawara of Global.AES to discuss some new and exciting marketing strategies. Over coffee, muffins and the beautiful atmosphere of the Crowne Plaza Ravinia, Shauna and Yuri shared their knowledge on how to bring Design2Sell to the masses. Global.AES is also assisting Design2sell in implementing a new and improved website which will be up and running soon, so look out for it!

 Design2Sell would like to thank Global.AES for putting in great work and bringing in enthusiastic and fun energy while doing it.

 Be sure to check out Design2Sell’s Facebook page, Twitter and LinkedIn for news, questions and comments. We would love to hear from you!

(image: housetohome)

    As spring arrives we start to adjust our wardrobe and pack away our heavier clothing. It’s the perfect time to evaluate our closet space and make sure it is living up to its full potential. From walk-in closets to antique closets it is important to keep them organized and free from clutter. There are some very simple and affordable ways to enhance the functionality to even the most confined closet spaces.  Here are some tips to transform a cluttered closet into an organized one.

• Invest in a closet organizer or a storage unit with adjustable cubbies and shelves.
• Consider boxing up shoes if you have a wide collection or invest in a great shoe rack or shoe hanging organizer. This will free up floor space and make your closet appear larger.
• Buy some baskets or bins so small items can be stacked away neatly on shelves.
• Identical hangers hung facing the same way.
• Make sure everything on shelves and in drawers are organized, folded and neat.
• Invest in laundry sorters that adhere to the décor of your closet.

1. 5-Bin Storage tower $199, containerstore, Perfect for storing shoes. 2. Hampton Bay Tilt-out Hamper $209, homedecorators, Hiding away laundry.  3. ANTONIUS 2 sections, clothes rail & frame $139.96, IKEA, Buildable Clothing Organizing System. 4. 2 abbeville Baskets $60, ballarddesigns. 5. 8-pack Bumerang Curved Hangers $5, IKEA.

movie “The Sound of Music”.

The exhibit turned the heads of guests at the 2-day event and featured the creative styling of a talented design team.

The set was produced by Barbara Heil-Sonneck of Design2Sell and Carol Powell of the Riverpark Inn in Helen, Ga. Design and artistic contributors included Bill Daniels, a furniture designer; Tamara McElhannon, a graphic designer and illustrator; Renee Roberts, a decorative fine artist; and Goldie Dicks, a fabric designer.

The exhibit was admired for its overall design, but the most talked about piece within the set was a one-of-a-kind chair that was created especially for the environment. Viewers of the set couldn’t resist sitting down for a quick photo. This chair was the perfect setting for a picture as it “frames” its occupant. This simple chair combined modern and alpine design in one piece and pulled together the entire exhibit.

To learn more about “The Sound of Music” exhibit or Design2Sell’s staging and design services visit www.homedesign2sell.com.

It is important when hanging artwork to consider the color, size and placement.  Make sure when choosing pieces that the color of the work and the frames will give visual impact and compliment the room.

 When arranging the work on walls or surfaces, varying patterns and groupings are important to add that extra punch.  Make sure to not overdue it and leave some empty space to create a sense of balance and avoid a cluttered appearance. It is important to think of the art and the furniture it surrounds as a unit helping each other compliment the overall composition of the space.

 Large pieces can be hung over a fire place, behind a couch or on a large blank wall.

  Medium size works look great together above a headboard.

 Small works of art can be placed with single pieces of furniture, on small walls or grouped together with similar frames to cover a larger area.

Artwork definitely fufills it’s role when decorating a house and will help get your home sold.

Photos: Elledecor  Apartmenttherapy  Atlanta Home Magazine

The experience begins the moment one arrives at a destination. That first impression and initial reaction that follows is our focus at Design2Sell. We specialize in the design of interior spaces, space planning, furniture selection, staging properties to add value prior to selling, and creating a “WOW” factor that makes others want to take a second look.  Drive up to any business or home and you become immediately aware of the exterior.  The entrance way beckons you inside where you anticipate a warm welcome. What was the design focus that got your attention?
·        the vine draped mailbox at the curb
·        the manicured lawn and neatly trimmed bushes

·        the freshly painted door and shutters
·        the welcome mat centered between two topiaries
A connection was made as soon as you took that first step inside. What interior design features caught your eye?

·        the paint pallet highlighting the tone of each room

·        the light filtering through from different sources

·        the arrangement of furniture creating unique spaces
·        the  fresh scent of the ocean breeze in the air

There is so much to consider when your first set out to create that special “WOW” factor. You may have almost everything you need to take the ordinary to the next level. The only thing missing is the expertise of a design consultant. Barbara Heil-Sonneck at Design2Sell is eager to be your personal guide through the process of designing and redesigning your spaces for your own comfort and enjoyment or as a space planning exercise prior to marketing your home or business to Realtors and potential buyers. Our portfolio will give you a peek at the hidden potential our clients were able to see after using Design2Sell as their choice for space planning and design.

Dan Truhitte, an original cast member of the movie, “The Sound of Music”, appeared as a featured guest of Barbara Heil-Sonnek and “The Sound of Music” team at the industry event. Most people know Truhitte best from his role as Rolf Gruber, the young German officer who captured our hearts singing “Sixteen Going on Seventeen” in the classic film. 

 This theater veteran was joined at the exhibit by Sarah Morgann, an international recording artist who sings in several languages and is currently promoted and signed by labels throughout Asia, Europe, Australia, and Canada.

She and Truhitte recently appeared together in “The Better Side of Life”, where they presented an evening of song and dance in January. They pair has worked together for many years and have known one another since Morgann was a child. She began performing at the age of six and Truhitte, her vocal coach at the time, encouraged her to pursue a professional career. 

The singing duo weren’t the only featured visitors of the movie themed set. Dr. John visited with the Cabbage Patch “Von Trapp” kids. The “Von Trapp” kids came to play at the exhibit during the day on Saturday prior to the VIP Gala that evening. Guests that viewed the set were delighted by the addition of the sweet dolls around the set.

For more information about Design2Sell visit www.homedeisgn2sell.com or check our our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/Design2Sell.