Open House: October 2009

Friday, October 30, 2009

A New Shelter Magazine...online

I just received a notice today that Southern Accents magazine is folding. Last month it was Pink Magazine. And remember how sad it was when Domino Magazine folded? We were crushed.

Thanks to a handful of hardworking former domino people we now have a new online shelter magazine: Lonny Magazine

One of my favorite features in domino and it's back!

Thank you, my world is better.

Thursday, October 29, 2009

The Staging Life

My sister and I had a rule when we went to Europe. If your job was navigating and you got us lost you had to give up the map and let the other person take over-no arguing involved. It turned our stressful travel moments into giggles.

Well today I jumped into her car to travel 30 minutes to the jobsite only to realize 20 minutes into the trip that the homeowner's key was in my car. Yikes!! I thought I was going to get ripped to shreds 'cause Tara had a bit of the angry stager in her today. Instead, a few quick phonecalls worked it all out for us and we were on our way.

When you work with your sister every day you have to keep the peace.

Sisters

Tuesday, October 27, 2009

A Stager's Best Weapon

Throw Pillows.

Pillows are a stagers best friend. You can instantly add a pow to the room. In our warehouse we have a wall devoted only to pillows. At this moment in time our warehouse organizer, Linda, had them color coordinated. A visual feast indeed.

Staging by Open House LLC

Thomas Paul pillow found at Revival Home and Garden in Seattle

Jonathan Adler also at Revival Home and Garden

West Elm

Barbara Barry Collection as seen at Fabrics and Home.

More great pillows from Fabrics and Home.

And thanks Dwellstudios for Target-fabulous pillows with easy prices.

Saturday, October 24, 2009

Dead Man's Bones

Ryan Gosling & Zach Shields' gothic folk band, Dead Man's Bones, rocked Seattle's Triple Door. Their songs revolved around ghosts and zombies. The all ages crowd absolutely loved it!

This is one of the few photos I could find of Zach. He is chiseled and handsome-really handsome. I loved his voice and stage presence.

My favorite part of course were the kids from Mark & Liz Power's Renagade Opera Children's Choir. Dead Man's Bones invites childrens groups to sing on stage with the band as they tour. The kids worked on the music for a few months and then an hour before the show with the band. We especially loved Andie. She plays the keyboard and flute in the band. Her voice is so sweet and beautiful. Zach & Ryan interacted with the kids on stage and goofed around with them right before show time. Zach had the kid's names memorized zombie makeup and all.

Time with the boys after the show.

Olivia made a sign with black nail polish on the pizza box. The band thought it was pretty cool and asked the kids to sign it.

Stephanie will owe me big for this wonderful photo. Do you two know each other?

The most talented costume designer in all the land.

The band was "blown away" with Nancy Horners's costumes. They have a special way they like the kids' make-up however when our kids arrived they were instructed to keep everything the same.

Marinna and Ryan.

Thanks to Mark Power, ROCC director and to Elizabeth, co-director for making such a great show happen. It was a ton of work.

Friday, October 23, 2009

Staging Works!

Marvel at a few before and after photos.

We would have liked to see the fireplace painted out and the insert removed but the refinished hardwoods help this wonderful living room. Below you can just see how the staging brings a bright open feel to the room. You could really visualize living here now.