American(ine) Idols

I'm in the doghouse with Mr VKH over my last post. It seems he does read it after all. Oops.

However, it might not be such a bad place to reside if the new property fad in the US is anything to go by.

'Pet placement' is the hottest trend in home staging according to an article I read a couple of weeks ago. Yes folks, vendors stateside are increasingly using pets, particularly dogs, in their property's brochure as an aid to selling not just the bricks and mortar but a lifestyle. 
My immediate reaction was, 'only in America!' but as the idea is becoming popular in the UK, the more I thought about it I can kind of see where they're coming from. After all, property particulars are ultimately an advert and we use all sorts of tricks to tempt buyers in catalogues and magazines so why not do the same with our homes? 

As I have mentioned before in my earlier post, 'The Case For Home Staging', I am constantly amazed at the state some vendors allow their homes to be photographed in. In this tough market, agents should be encouraging sellers to make their place stand out.
According to some, the inclusion of pets in the photos can add life to a brochure and helps prospective buyers envisage their own brood in a place. 

Not quite the look Savills were going for!

But - beware! It is not enough just to leave Rover in the middle of the living room floor while the photographer goes about his business.  Pet placement is all about the right pet in the right property. A labrador, for example, suggests a country house suitable for a family who enjoy outdoor pursuits while a boxer could attract a fitness fanatic to a bachelor pad. Pedigree cats, however, suggest a modern, minimalist pad for the perfectionist. 

It might not work for everyone though.  For some, the sight of pets in the property could be a potential deal-breaker: odours, stains and allergies are some of the words they conjure up. And, of course, for every person that loves dogs there are those who prefers cats (sensible people!).

If you're intending on selling an aspirational lifestyle as well as your house maybe a strategically placed pair of Louboutins or Hunter wellies would be a safer bet?

Love is in the Air

In the days after Christmas, high street stores transform themselves from Santa's Grotto in to garish pink, red and black amalgamations of cheesy hideousness.  In supermarkets, nestled in the aisles between the reduced price Christmas chocolates and the Easter eggs, heart-shaped goodies line the shelves:  Valentine's Day is nigh.

This is not a time of year that is generally celebrated in our household.  Mr VKH says he refuses to be told by card and gift companies when to tell me he loves me. Aw, such a romantic.  It has absolutely nothing to do with the fact that he's a cynical old sod who won't buy in to grotesque mass commercialism (it's fine, he never reads this!).

Luckily for him I totally agree. Love should be celebrated continually and not just when it's commercially acceptable. So, I've found a few beautiful products that say love is all  around, all year round:  

Pair of silver embossed heart lockets, £12.50 An Angel At My Table

'Kiss' Neon light, £275 Rockett St George

'Utopia' heart holder, £68 Jonathan Adler

And for the slightly less romantically inclined...

Set of 6 espresso mugs, £58 Deservedly So at
Notonthehighstreet

Set of 2 pillowcases, £25 Twisted Twee

But, ahem, if anyone's feeling particularly over-amorous over the next few weeks, a good old fashioned bunch of flowers is always appreciated. And chocolate. Or champagne. Preferably both.
I love you all, darlings.....!
Kx