Email Newsletter Archive- March, 2010

Absolute Living Today Newsletter

Your Challenges, Our Solutions, Your Happiness
March 2010

Dear Teresa,
Happy St. Patrick's Day!
Wow what a winter. Hopefully the snow is done until next year. As crazy as the weather has been I have to say you kept me very busy and I thank you. The Home Shows I exhibited at the last two months have been great. Having met with many couples a particular scenario seems to be unfolding in today's world of decorating, read the article on "Styles and Change".

In this months newsletter I want to touch on the subject of "Change". Simply because many people struggle with decorating styles and become confused because they want change but are not sure how to start.

So enjoy your reading.

Sincerely,

Teresa Tocco-Davenport, CID
Absolute Living Today

Styles and Change

Companies are in the business to make money so they come up with strategic ways to have you spend your money. Trends and fads have been around for ages and companies know how to convince you of being apart of the trend or fad instead of allowing you to be who you are. Years ago a trend would be 10-15 years before colors and styles changed, trends eventually went down to 7-10 yrs, then 3-5 yrs. Well guess where we are now?
Now every year to stay competitive, companies are coming up with new things only to confuse the consumer. So more and more couples struggle with what they really want or like because they see so many different designs today and their being told what is the "IN" thing.

When I meet with clients and ask them what style they are, they think they are one style, only to describe another style, but they are not totally sold on the style they are describing, because they didn't realize what style that truly was. Am I confusing you yet?

Basically, some may think they are Traditional, but they are describing Modern however, they are not really sure they want to go Modern and didn't realize they were describing Modern. What they are is truly Transitional. Transitional is not any easy style to create. Because the client's heart is in Traditional mode but their mind is in Modern mode. Simply put, they are not married to Traditional, but they are not in love with Modern either, but they want a little bit of both.
That's just one scenario. Then there is the person who thinks they are Modern but keeps going toward Traditional designs, so on and so forth.

Most people in their 40's-70's tend to go more Traditional because that's how they lived all their lives, however, they have this itch to go Modern but don't know how to blend them both. The problem today is that most stores are leaning more toward Modern designs, if you want something really Traditional there are a few stores left to visit or you have to explore antique stores. So more and more people are moving toward the Transitional Style or Eceletic Style. The Eceletic Style is a little bit of every style you can imagine.

My advice to you is to not focus so much on what the trends are today, but go with your heart, your level of comfort. What makes you feel good everyday you wake up and look at your home. Unless you are moving in 3-5 yrs, then just live the way you feel most at home. If you are selling, then consider trends, because most buyers today are of the younger generation and most of them enjoy the Modern and Contemporary Styles.

I remember when I was selling my condo. I had a Victorian flare, which requires a lot of stuff. I had young buyers come in to my home and look around and say to their realtors, "I am more the Pottery Barn type". Therefore not buying my home because it was more Traditional then Modern (although they weren't buying my furniture they just couldn't see past it). I staged the house the best I can without taking everything out while living there, because I still wanted it to feel like home, but get it sold. It did finally sell.

The older generation from 50-70's are moving into Active Adult Communities, in which most homes have Modern floorplans, that have less wall space and more openess and this challenges them because they want to use their existing furniture in spaces that don't warrant them or they are not comfortable floating furniture. So they convince themselves they want Modern or Contemporary furniture and designs, only to realize later that their heart really isn't there, because nothing they find is comfortable or attractive to them. They unfortunately are pushed into change because of what is dictated out there by the retailers and builders.

Again, I reiterate, go with your heart, not the trends. Don't force yourself into a Style you think you like. Look through mazaines and furniture catalogs and pull out those pieces that catch your eye, then do process of elimination. Keep looking at each page, compare the different pieces, look at what you currently have and compare to what you are looking at now, and continue to eliminate. You will be surprised at how much this exercise will really give you an insight into your true style.

We all need some change in our lives periodically, but change is not easy, although it can be if you focus on listening to your heart. You never know, it may take you to that new direction, but at least with less confusion. If you are considering redecorating, there's nothing wrong with staying with the same style just getting newer pieces or sprucing it up with newer colors or patterns to give you the Change you are looking for. You don't have to change your style to keep up with the trends if that is what you want to do. Particularly with color trends, style doesn't matter.

I know this was a long essay, but I thought it was worth writing to illustrate that if you are struggling with this issue, it helps you to know that there are many others struggling along with you. But not to worry, there is always a solution.

About Absolute Living Today, LLC
TeleSeminars will not be on a monthly basis anymore, they will be offered periodically. The new schedule will be announced in the near future.

Thank you for your business.

Absolute Living Today
Woolwich, NJ 08085

In This Issue
Styles and Change

Who is Absolute Living Today?

Teresa Tocco-Davenport is the Founder/Owner of Absolute Living Today, LLC. Having started this business has been so exciting for me since its conception in 2005. I enjoy what I do and my goal is to give my clients a perfect haven. I create a home that exudes the owners personality combined with beauty and comfortability.
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