5 Tips for Merchandising your home

Merchandising your home, sounds like you are putting it on display, however that is what she called it. Pat was a buyer for Goldman Sachs and later in life a manager for Calico Corners and interior design firm. She always had input and tips on how to make your home more wonderful. A few of her favorites:

1) Monochromatic is Magic, just make sure you mix the hues and textures to create an interesting look. For example if you love the warmth of Cream, take different shades of burlap pillows, a fluffy throw, textured curtains and a solid blanket to pull the look together.

2) Things don't have to be used the way they are branded. Ill never forget the day Patricia Marie took bath mats that were "the perfect shape" and hung them on my walls as art.

3) Fresh Cut flowers liven up any room, especially when they are kept in interesting vases. Found an old silver teapot at the vintage store? The tarnished metal makes a great pallet for any flowers. (side note: if you have allergies silk flowers can make lovely arrangements as well)

4) Storage Doesn't have to be hidden or ugly! Have pretty hat box, display it on a shelf to hold trinkets. Vintage Suitcases and be used as shelves. "Clutter" can be used as decoration, set up a cute frame to display your jewelry, arrange cooking utensils in a interesting bouquet.

5) Accents and pops of color can change a whole room. We would all love to redecorate every season, but who has the time or the money? Switching up pillows and throw textures can drastically alter the look of your living room. A lite summer blanket to the bed in a lively color ushers in warmer weather. Changing prominently placed accents can change the whole feel of the house

Bonus: Scents! The most effective thing you can do to turn your house into a home is to make it smell inviting. Scent is the sense most tied to memories. Wax Warmers come in all sorts of designs to be used as accent pieces throughout the house. Candles can make beautiful arrangements on an empty shelf, end table or even hung in mason jars.