Speed Decorating [Paperback]

"Vegas helps would-be decorators fast-forward their dreams in "Speed Decorating. "The book is in large part a typical decorating primer, but with a focus on getting things done fast. Vegas guides readers through such steps as assessing a room, setting a timeline and shopping smart, and gives suggestions for specific rooms. She offers lots of handy tips, such as ways to corral and disguise lamp cords and quick ideas for freshening a kitchen."-- Mary Beth Breckenridge, "Akron Beacon Journal"

"Jill Vegas knows how to make any home beautiful.... Her talent and work are priceless!" --Barbara Corcoran, founder, The Corcoran Group

It's like speed dating but only better. Speed Decorating: A Pro Stager's Tips and Trade Secrets for a Fabulous Home in a Week or Less "(The Taunton Press; $21.95) by Jill Vegas is everything that hiring an interior decorator is not. That means you have to actually do most of the work yourself. There are a few rules to follow -- or break if you dare. First, learn the seven principles of decorating: calm; condition; style; arrangement; light; color and texture; and details. Then incorporate the three-step process: Evaluate the situation, explore solutions and take action. These must all be done fast; otherwise it's not speed decorating! Most tasks fall into one of three categories. A magic-wand makeover takes a few hours or a day. Mini boot camp can be done in three days. Slowpokes have a week to complete an ultimate boot camp. --Martha Phifer, "Orlando Sentinel"

If you're like me, after a day parading through the Parade of Homes, you get home and wish your house looked like those on the tour. "Speed Decorating" by Jill Vegas (Taunton Press) might help. Vegas is a home stager whose work has been featured on HGTV, National Public Radio and other places. One idea: Stack books on a chair, put a lamp atop the books, and you have an instant nightstand. I wouldn't have thought of that. The book doesn't get into big, involved projects. But it gives

Speed Decorating is the ultimate guide to making a house look great - fast! Professional stager Jill Vegas offers a wealth of decorating advice that can turn any room in the house from blah to beautiful in just a few days. Based on years of professional experience, Jill reveals her seven staging essentials - flow light colour, clutter, condition, cleanliness and lifestyle - and takes readers on a high-energy house tour bursting with her invaluable insider advice. In this current economic environment, selling a house is more difficult than ever. Plus, more people are entertaining at home to save money. Speed Decorating couldnt be timelier.

Jill Vegas is an accomplished house stager and real estate agent who has been spotlighted on TV, radio and in popular publications in America. She also writes a regular column on staging for the Mann Report. She lives in New York.