2024 Paint Colors of the Year - Home Stager Edition
As the new year approaches, the top paint companies have all announced their picks for the 2024 color of the year and we must say they are bold and intriguing. While some are useful for interiors, some…not so much. But is that really the point of the paint companies’ choices? That’s why we are back at it again this year with our top paint color picks for 2024 as well.
Pantone and the other paint companies tend to predict the color based upon the culture of the world at the time. They use this information to forecast trends for the upcoming year. Color experts come from a wide range of design, cultural and geographical backgrounds to decide on a color that reflects society as a whole both culturally and emotionally. This doesn’t always mean it’s the perfect color for your living room. (I mean most people probably don’t want a family room painted in Pantone’s 2024 color Peach Fuzz, right?). It’s simply a color that is symbolic of cultural society at present day.
Our job as home stagers is to acknowledge the trend but recommend paint colors that will resonate with a wide audience and remain stylish for several years to come. Our homes should be a reflection of us, but when it comes time to sell your home, just know you will need to appeal to vast array of buyers. Careful selection of color choices will allow you to enjoy and reflect your style, while also inviting others to love it as much as you do.
Let’s be honest, 2024 colors selected by the paint companies are somewhat of a 1980s island theme, with all the variations of blue and coral. I have visions of Fantasy Island and The Golden Girls each time I see these colors. (Hats off to Behr & Dutch Boy for their moody hues with Cracked Pepper and Ironside!). As much as we want to be swept away to the tropics or re-live our childhood watching Blanche, Dorothy and Rose banter back and forth sitting on their coral and teal rattan sofa, we believe we should recommend a more realistic approach to paint colors. Colors that will be on-trend but also universal and pleasing to a wide audience.
In this post you will hear LRV mentioned quite a bit. LRV stands for “Light Reflective Value”. Each color has a number ranging from 0-100. The number represents how much light the color will take on, therefore possibly changing its appearance. In order to get a better understanding of this paradigm, think of a pure white as having an LVR of 100 and a true black as 0. So, the darker the color, the smaller the LRV number and the lighter the color, the higher. Darker colors soak up light and lighter colors reflect it just like a black shirt soaks up the warmth of sunshine while a white t-shirt can keep you cooler on a hot summer day.
Alright, let’s get to it, shall we? And our 2024 color picks are…….
Leigh - Sherwin Williams Iron Ore
I went with a bold move this year. I think I may have traveled to the dark side. Sherwin William’s Iron Ore is a standout neutral. Dark color is very on-trend right now and this color does not disappoint. With an LRV of 6 this color is very, very dark and to the naked eye comes across as a true black against a stark white. However, it’s more of a charcoal and has a nice warm feel (kind of like a warm hug). It pairs nicely with creamy whites, beiges and browns while allowing a neutral backdrop for any pops of color. It creates the drama one may want or need in an interior space or on the exterior of the home (loooove it paired with wood and stone on exteriors!) Inside the home consider using Iron Ore for trim, doors or accent walls. Or even try it in your powder room (ceiling too) for a dramatic flair. You will thank me later.
Picture via Sherwin Williams
Wendy - Benjamin Moore Rodeo
I painted my new modern mountain house Rodeo by Ben Moore, which started out as a compromise between myself (I wanted white) and my husband (wanted an actual color). I was unsure at first, but now that I live in it, I'm amazed how much I love it. Rodeo is a warm gray taupe that is a perfect compromise between gray and beige. It's warm enough to go with natural wood tones and saddle leathers, but cool enough not to look muddy or brown. Its LRV sits almost neutral at 60 which means there’s not a lot of shift that happens. This is a fantastic neutral if you are unwilling to spend the $$ to update those natural wood floors or cabinets that look too orange with the more popular true grays. Its a bit unassuming in the sea of color swatches you'll see in the retail store, and anything but when you put it on the wall.
Picture via Benjamin Moore
Alison - Benjamin Moore Herb Garden
I love all things green - it’s “Nature’s Neutral” - and it’s one of the few colors that I can commit to in an interior space without too much hesitation. (My co-workers will tell you I tend to run from color). Benjamin Moore’s Herb Garden is the color that checks off all the boxes for me. This color has an LRV of 17 so it is dark and holds its own with lighting. It will not sway. It’s the perfect balance: not too deep and dreary - and not too pale and pastel (gasp!) The cast is right where I like green to be - fresh, earthy, leafy - and not too blue. At that point it just starts to look like the color of the Philadelphia Eagles - and as the wife of a New York Giants fan, we can’t have that.
Picture courtesy of Noz Design
Kim - Sherwin Williams drift of mist
Looking for a nice neutral? Sherwin William’s Drift of Mist is my choice for this year. It’s not your normal, boring gray. However, its a little complex (aren’t we all?), because it is neither cool nor warm. It can wave back and forth, depending on what it is paired with in your fixed elements of the home like countertops and flooring. (Hmmm…sounds a lot like what I tell my kids happens with certain friends they hang out with the most). It’s LRV is 69 which means it is heading toward the lighter end of the scale. It makes for a great whole house neutral allowing for just enough pop with the white trim. If you’ve been a fan of Agreeable Gray (which isn’t very agreeable sometimes!), you will LOVE Drift of Mist. It’s lighter and brighter. It also has a little bit of a green undertone so if you love all the dark green tones that are trendy right now (swoon!), this color will look stunning with it. But you will find that it compliments many colors as well. As a result, it makes sense to paint your whole house a color that will withstand the ever-changing trendy colors in your decor. If you don’t want to commit to sterile white/cream walls but you don’t want gray or beige either - Drift of Mist is for you!
Picture courtest of The Creativity Exchange
Laura - Sherwin Williams Pewter Green
Is it a greyish green? Is it a greenish grey? I don’t know, but I am obsessed! With an LRV of just 12, this surprisingly neutral hue by Sherwin Williams is on the dark side, but still manages to keep things light. Pewter Green is extremely flexible, complimenting Grand Millennial’s busy wallpapers, Modern Farmhouse’s warm beiges, and Boho’s light wood tones. This color chameleon swings from soft and romantic to complex and moody (kind of like me!). In 2023, it has taken center stage on my kitchen island, made a grand entrance on my exterior doors (paired with pinkish brick, it’s a chef’s kiss!) and may soon make a guest appearance in my spare bedroom (get it - guest appearance?). With the number of compliments I have received, I think we will be seeing a lot of this color in 2024.
Picture via Sherwin Williams
Marlo - Benjamin Moore Sweet Basil
Benjamin Moore’s Sweet Basil is a classic color that works great with modern or traditional decor. It’s moody, soothing and it brings nature indoors. For someone like myself who loves to be outdoors hiking the trails, this color brings the feel of nature indoors. With an LRV of 13, it’s on the darker side making it moody and soothing but not so dark you feel like you’re in a cave. It’s a good color to create a pop for an accent wall or a powder room (we love to have a little creative fun in powder rooms!). It pairs so well with natural wood bringing more of that outside inside vibe to any space. It pairs well with blacks and creamy whites without bringing out any yellow undertones.
Miriam - SW Silvermist
Last but not least, let’s nod toward the paint companies’ efforts for their Caribbean flair, but in a nice neutral way. Silvermist was the August 2023 Color of the month choice for Sherwin Williams and is my color of choice for those wanting a coastal, modern vibe to their home. This color evokes an ocean feel but in a neutral way. With an LRV of 47, it falls in the medium-dark category. Its soft blue, green hues pair nicely with most beiges and grays, while standing out on its own. You can pair it with just about any of the other colors mentioned by our staff. Silvermist adds coastal, casual, calmness to any space whether it be an accent wall, the main feature or just in accessories to lighten up darker spaces. Sorry paint companies, but this is my pick for island serenity as I dream of breezy ocean air.
Picture courtesy of Sherwin Williams
That’s a wrap with our 2024 paint colors. Though each of our colors were chosen individually, collectively we all leaned toward green undertones. That must say something about trend worthy design!
Whether you are selling or staying in your home, it’s important to acknowledge trends while staying neutral in your paint selections. You can have more fun, and less expense, with trendy colors through your accessorizing - so go out and buy that Persimmon pillow but don’t paint your wall that color!
We strongly encourage homeowners to sample these colors (or any for that matter) in their own homes as light and fixed elements play a huge role in how a paint color appears in a home. No one wants to waste time or money so it’s important to get it right. If you are looking for a refresh in your home, but don’t know where to begin, we offer Color Consultations for selling AND living! Just go online and book your appointment today.
Let us shine a spotlight on your home!
Redesign: The Best Budget-Friendly Option for Home Design
10 Ways to Beat the Winter Doldrums in your Home
2021 Fall Design Trends from high point
How to Bring Spring Into Your Home
Spring is just around the corner. And with the warmer weather comes the desire to freshen up our homes. It’s not just about Spring cleaning but we crave to give our home decor a lighter, brighter facelift. Gone are the dark days of winter and bring on the sunshine in our homes. We’ve got five ways to bring spring into your home without breaking the bank. Little touches like these will bring the spring vibe inside and hopefully not cause spring allergies like the outside.
Pillows Pack a Punch
Consider buying new throw pillows in light, airy colors and patterns. Just say no to the heavy fur or textures because spring vibes need soft colors to bring a sense of clean to a space. You will be amazed how new pillows can give life to a tired sofa or bed!
Fresh Florals
Whether your florals are real or faux, fresh, new flowers and greenery help bring the outside into your home. Florals have come a long way in the past few years to the point now that many require a double take to tell if they are indeed faux. Consider some simple floral stems in a vase for your dining centerpiece. Or try out your green thumb and add a new houseplant to your home. Spring will be represented with small touches like this around your home.
New Linens
With the onset of warmer temperatures and gorgeous sunshine, many fall into the spring cleaning frenzy. New linens to your bedroom and bathroom can evoke that fresh clean feeling into your home. Don’t be afraid of white linens - particularly towels. They wash well and can be bleached to keep brilliantly white.
Mirrors are Magical
Consider replacing darker wall art with a mirror. Mirrors can bounce light into a room therefore causing the room to look bigger, lighter and brighter. Such a small change with such a great impact!
Add some Curb Appeal
Small touches such as a new doormat and some beautiful flowers accenting your doorway create a fresh spring vibe for you and your guests as soon as they arrive. Both give off a clean, polished look - but make sure those winter cobwebs are all cleaned up around that entryway too. And, if you’re feeling adventurous, consider a fresh new paint color for your front door (but make sure your HOA approves before preceding)
Bringing a little spring into your home doesn’t have to cost a lot of money. These five cost effective ideas will certainly allow spring to come alive indoors and create a ray of sunshine into your home. If you’re looking to refresh your space we offer redesign services. We design and find the products, then you choose and purchase at your own time that fits your budget. It’s a cost-effective way to get design help and inspiration without breaking the bank. You can schedule an appointment online at your convenience.
Let us shine a spotlight on your home!
Can't Touch This
A recent article by Houzz.com, 36 Home Design Trends Ready for Takeoff in 2021, gave us a look at many expected design trends in home design. This article provided some really great insight as to what builders are incorporating in new homes as well as what designers are incorporating in remodels of homes. One design trend mentioned was the increase in the installation of touchless or motion sensor faucets in both kitchen and bath design. One thing 2020 has taught us is how to prevent the spreading of germs. We looked at this trend and took it a step further as to the amount of home devices that are being utilized today that are touch free.
These are a few items we rounded up for our Can't Touch This Home of 2021.
Moen Motion Sensor Kitchen Faucet: https://amzn.to/3pNnsAW
Motion Sensor Bathroom Sink Faucet: https://amzn.to/3oyao2h
Motion Sensor Soap Dispenser: https://amzn.to/399h8gi
Motion Sensor Trash Can: https://amzn.to/2JQkE6N
Amazon Echo Show: https://amzn.to/3pSdw9e
Wifi Smart Plug: https://amzn.to/3bgnfSK
Can't Touch This sign: https://www.etsy.com/listing/894947663/cant-touch-this...
Motion Sensor Light Switches: https://amzn.to/3pXN4LE
Nest Thermometer: https://amzn.to/3bgjOM2
LED Motion Sensor Light Strip (not pictured): https://amzn.to/2LoJbQH
This article highlighted some really great expected design trends for 2021. What do you hope to see in home design this year? If you are looking to refresh your space but don’t know where to start, give us a call or go online to set up a consultation. We’d love to help you!
*Disclaimer: This page contains Amazon affiliate links which means Staged by Design® may earn commission if you use links provided
2020 - A Year to Remember
Let’s face it, 2020 was not the year we all hoped it would be. It brought many unpredictable situations for us all and caused us to rethink how we do business. HOWEVER it also gave us the time to look at our company and improve our look, our vision, our services and our processes. In the end, 2020 turned out to be a busy year for us in which our confidence grew despite the many obstacles. And as a team we really had fun along the way!
It's been a privilege to partner with our clients and help them sell their homes faster and for top dollar. The numbers don't lie - home staging is definitely an investment that gives a return! Here’s some of our stats for the year:
The average number of days on the market for our homes was 12 days!
90 homes staged
320 home and virtual consultations
22 redesigns
National Award - HSRA’s Top 10 Home Staging Company
Local Awards - Best Home Staging company of Loudoun 2020 and LoudounNow’s Best Interior Designer 2020
and if that wasn’t enough - take a look at our year in video:
Let us shine a spotlight on your home in 2021! Give us a call or go online to set up a consultation. It's worth the investment!
8 Design Styles with AmazIng Holiday Inspiration
Christmas 2020 is around the corner. Many are decorating earlier this year due of COVID-19, in hopes of bringing some much needed joy to their homes. We've curated holiday inspiration below from Sherwin Williams ColorSnap 8 Color ID Palettes. These decorating ideas are sure to get you in the holiday spirit! Let's get into the festive mindset and find your holiday style, shall we?
Naturalist
No doubt 2020 has raised our awareness of the the beauty the outdoors brings to our lives. We have been forced outdoors more for our sanity, but hopefully you have gained a heightened appreciation for all things in nature. The organic elements found in nature are pleasing to the eye and can easily be included in your design plan. This holiday, you may want to consider rustic ornaments and bring the outdoors in through your greenery.
Image by: Place of my Taste
Naturalist style isn’t your ordinary red and green for Christmas. It brings in a multitude of colors directly pulled from the natural world. It’s all about bringing the outdoors in, and would be best expressed with real pine boughs, magnolia leaves and pine cones for added texture.
Creative
Being creative means you see the positive possibilities that many simply can’t envision. With the challenges of COVID-19, many have had to be creative with not only solutions to social/work problems, but also with spaces around your home. Being creative brings the artist out in you and allows you to bring together unique things in a cohesive manner.
Image by: Apartment Therapy
Creative design means thinking outside of the box. We love using ordinary items and turning them into art. This example shows you how to decorate your tree using items from a grocery store! It’s not only creative but it’s beautiful with all its colors. The colors are a bit bolder than the previous mentioned Naturalist and add a bit of pop to the design.
Minimalist
COVID-19 has caused many of us to look around our homes and clean out the things we don't need and become a bit more organized. Minimizing the “stuff” in your home has brought a sense of peace to many during quarantine. Beautiful design doesn't have to be excessive and neither does holiday decor. Simple touches of Christmas cheer are enough to speak volumes in decorating for the holidays.
Image by: City on a Farmhouse
The soft neutral tones of the colors allow the minimalist to feel peaceful. This example of holiday decor still has that cozy feel but with less. The mantle only uses pillar candles and greenery. The stockings give that gentle nod to Christmas without creating a lot of clutter.
Trendsetter
Quarantine life has caused a lot more interaction with social media and television. Design trends are all over Instagram and HGTV. Many of you are trendsetters in your own way and influence your friends around you. Were you the one that bought that cute mask and then coerced all your friends into buying the same one? If so, you are a trendsetter by nature and you probably want holiday decor that is on trend for the year. (I'm looking at you flocked tree!) This design style is what drives the industry.
Image by: Inspired by Charm
This tree is full of bright pops of color instead of traditional red and green. The holiday colors and design of this style certainly aim to impress. This particular tree is fun, energetic and makes everyone want an ombre Christmas tree (am I right?).
Dreamer
COVID-19 and quarantine has allowed people time to pause and breathe, with many realizing their dreams, and planning a way to achieve them. Dreamers have a positive outlook on life and even a pandemic can't diminish that attribute. Holiday decor for this style remains calm, and its colors embrace cooler blues and neutrals for a multi-layered look.
Image by: CitrineLiving
The decorations on this tree by CintrineLiving really bring out the twinkle lights of the tree. The flowing pale gold ribbon with touches of light blues, greens and aqua create a sophisticated, soft elegance to this style. This tree makes me dream of dancing sugar plums.
Free Spirit
This year has caused many to have to take a detour in life that they simply weren't expecting. The free spirited person takes those detours and makes them exciting possibilities. They see the positive outcomes and run with it. They take lemons and make lemonade! So of course their holiday style will reflect their excitement.
Image by: Afloral.com
The holiday decorations on this tree exemplify the nature of a free spirited design. The use of golden sun palms in the decorations takes quite the detour from the traditional poinsettia. Yet it works with this style and with this tree!
Enthusiast
Many of you during quarantine found that it was a great opportunity and time to try all the things you've wanted to do but never had the time to do them. You learned how to knit, train your dog, sew facial masks, cook French food, and a myriad of other tasks. You have kept yourself busy trying to keep your mind off all things pandemic.
Image by: Foundry Interiors
Holiday design for the enthusiast uses earth tone colors to represent hard work. This beautiful collage of bottle brush trees from our friends at Foundry Interiors displays those colors while being simplistic in design. The multiple trees could represent the multiple new things you as an enthusiast have tried this year.
Nurturer
More than anything right now I think we can all relate to being a nurturer during this time of COVID-19. We have all had to cope with the disappointments life has thrown at us and our family this year. We've also spent A LOT more time at home this year and thus we want to make our house feel like home. And that is the definition of a true nurturer. This holiday style will be neutral and cozy.
Image by: Drive by Decor
The colors and texture of the holiday decor in this example create that cozy environment that a nurturer wants to provide in his/her home. A soft color palette with added darker neutrals provides the warmth of the holiday season. This look will make you want to curl up on the sofa and watch Hallmark Christmas movies.
Design in decorating truly represents one’s personality. This holiday season embrace YOUR design style. Allow your personality to come out in your holiday interpretations. If you’re not sure which style best fits you, Sherwin Williams even has a short quiz you can take to discover what your style really IS.
If the thought of decorating or choosing paint color overwhelms you, go online and book a redesign or color consultation service with us . We would love to help you shine a spotlight on your home and bring your personality into your space!
Back to School 2020 Style
After what seems like forever, kids are finally back to school. However 2020, in true fashion, has most of the country handling school just a wee bit differently. Most school districts, for the first semester, have chosen a full distance learning model or a hybrid style of half in class/half distance learning. Needless to say, both of these formats have caused families to scramble to provide productive learning environments for their children as well as themselves for work.
Thanks to COVID-19, we are all re-evaluating the spaces in our homes. Even the tiniest spaces can be transformed to a great work environment, however it’s imperative to create separation between your work spaces and your home life. When staging, the need for creating beautiful work spaces has increased the need for desks in our inventory. We are incorporating these spaces in odd nooks or areas that would normally go unused. Advice to our our clients includes re-imagining the spaces in your home, which may mean relocating furniture and boxing up items temporarily.
Dining Rooms are a central hub of the home that typically aren’t used much except for that special holiday meal. Many people are choosing to work in their dining rooms during this time, but many are tired of seeing the clutter that comes along with this type of setup. Here are a few of our suggestions:
Use your existing hutch or china cabinet for storage. Pack up grandma’s china temporarily and simply add boxes/baskets and use that storage for office supplies, files, etc.
Photos by: Centsible Chateau & iheartorganizing
Buy file boxes/storage carts on wheels. At the end of the day, all you do is simply roll it under the table and it’s out of sight out of mind. Here’s a couple we found that will work perfect under the table
Create a Martha Stewart office in a box using an old hope/toy chest. It can also be a cute little bench when it’s closed up
Photo by Martha Stewart.com
In addition to dining rooms, there are plenty of nooks and spaces in a home for a small work environment. If you are tight on space, this “murphy desk” from World Market is the perfect solution. It can be placed anywhere there is enough room for a chair. When in use it’s functional, and when you’re done you fold back up and never have to think about work/school until you put it back down.
AND finally just because we are working from home doesn’t mean we can’t make it pretty. Take a look at this closet office we fell in love with from Nesting with Grace.
Closets make GREAT office spaces because you can simply close the door on them when 5 o’clock arrives. This example of a closet remodel recreated the space to be one that the homeowner could feel productive in because it fit her style. Don’t be afraid to make inexpensive changes to a space if it will make you happy. The changes made to this closet were not expensive AND it can easily be turned right back into a closet when/if needed. The wallpaper is peel and stick which is a PERFECT non-permanent way to decorate a space. Create a space that makes you happy and productive.
Get creative, start re-evaluating the spaces in your home to become more productive both in school and work. If you need some assistance, we are here to help! Feel free to contact us for a redesign consultation. We also provide online consultations if you live out of the area or feel more comfortable with the virtual format. We would love to help you re-imagine your work/home life spaces!
*Disclaimer: This page contains Amazon affiliate links which means Staged by Design® may earn commission if you use links provided
The Resurgence of Art Deco
Let’s hear it for the roaring 20’s. 2020 that is. There is a resurgence of the Art Deco design and it’s roaring back in interior design with fresh, organic materials. Art Deco is all about making a big statement. From its bold patterns and shapely furniture to its luxurious fabrics and glamorous feel, Art Deco makes an impression. It’s only appropriate 2020 would trend toward this style with the way it roared in with a global pandemic. Everything good comes back around and so it is true with Art Deco.
Art Deco style first came onto the scene in the 1920s and lasted well into the 1940s. It’s characterized by it’s extensive use of symmetry and geometry in its design (and who said you would never use geometry in real life?!). It is full of exuberant geometric shapes, pops of bold colors, shapely furniture, luxurious fabrics and glamorous lighting. You don’t have to go full on Great Gatsby to incorporate Art Deco into your living room. There are tons of great decor pieces that follow the trend but can be combined with other styles. Take a look at some our our Art Deco inspired pieces of inventory we use to stage homes with a transitional feel.
Our recent Spotlight on Style focused on the comeback trend of Art Deco. We thought it would be fun to find some great Art Deco inspired home decor on Amazon. The beauty is most of our finds are pieces that can easily be incorporated into any style you may currently have in your home.
1. Rattan Light Pendant
This light makes a statement with it’s sophisticated curves and also brings in a soft element of organic material.
2. MIRROR
This mirror would be great above a foyer console or a dining room buffet. It’s play on the square shape while adding curves makes this piece pleasing to the eye.
3. VASES
This pair of vases make a great centerpiece and have the iconic detail of art deco.
4. LUMBAR PILLOW
This black pillow with gold accent is small in scale, but large in details.
5. ART DECO SIGN
This fun whimsical sign comes in a variety of choices. It screams Art Deco and the 20s!
6. GEOMETRIC SPHERE
This is a versatile decor piece that can be used on end tables, bookshelves and more. It is a great piece to use with other decor such as books and frames to add dimension.
7. FLOOR LAMP
This floor lamp is SO fabulous. It’s industrial aspect of Art Deco brings a fun element of surprise to a room.
8. BAR CART
Bar carts are back, and what better style to have than this! It was a statement piece then and it will be now.
9. TRAY
The curves on this multi functional tray are reminiscent of so much of the Art Deco style. This tray can be used as a coffee table centerpiece or on a kitchen island.
10. DESK LAMP
This small lamp creates a fun vibe to any desk.
11. ACCENT PILLOW
Fun geometric design on this pillow can be used along with many other patterns or bold colors. This pillow is currently unavailable in this pattern but here’s another option we love.
12. OTTOMAN
The fur on this ottoman is fun and glamorous. Just a small touch of luxury to add to a room or vanity area.
13. ART
This trio of art is a great way to incorporate a natural element to a room. The organic nature of it brings in life and simple lines to the room.
14. SOFA
The curves and the emerald green color are exactly what Art Deco re- imagined looks like for 2020!!
15. SIDE TABLE
This abstract design of this side table brings in those geometry elements and make this an piece with interest while the wood brings in those natural, organic elements
16. CHAIR
Art Deco style had high contrast of black with gold to represent wealth and industry and luxurious velvet fabric was used often. This chair would be a great addition to any room.
If you would like to add a little Art Deco to your life but aren’t sure how, we would be happy to help. Book a redesign consultation with us online and let’s see how we can add some geometry to your life and design!
*Disclaimer: This page contains Amazon affiliate links which means Staged by Design® may earn commission if you use links provided
No Fail DIY Quarantine Home Improvements
As we approach nearly two months of quarantine thanks to COVID-19, most of us are getting a little tired of our homes and considering improvements. We wanted to give you some no-fail DIY home improvements you can begin now that will give you a nice return on investment for your home. In other words, these improvements will not waste your time or your money!
PAINT!
As we say in the staging business “Paint is like money in a can!”. It’s true – fresh updated walls not only make your house feel cleaner but it improves the look and condition as well. Statistics show paint can increase your home’s value overnight. Newly painted interior walls result in an increase in the return on investment (ROI), by over 100%. And, painting can also be therapeutic, that is unless you try it with spouse:) Here are some no-fail interior paint colors that are pleasing when it comes time to sell your home. We do, however, want to caution you to please leave ceilings and trim to the pros.
REMOVABLE WALLPAPER
If you want a fun way to freshen up a space, removable wallpaper is all the rage right now. There are SO many fun patterns and it’s such a great way to add color and life to a space without committing. We love the fact that you can have your fun now but when it comes time to change it’s easy to remove. Think outside the box when using wallpaper. You can use as an accent wall, line the back of bookcases, or even use in a closet or fun play space!
Blue Diamond: Amazon
Geometric print : Etsy
Palm leaves: Amazon
Rose Gold Blue Floral: Amazon
CHANGE HARDWARE & LIGHTING
Cabinet hardware and light fixtures are the “jewelry” of our homes. They add that little bit of drama that provides immediate impact. These small investments are not costly nor do they require a lot of DIY skills. Updating these items can provide a great return on the investment of your house. Here’s a few of our favorite touches:
Birdcage Light Fixture: Amazon
Flushmount Light: Amazon
Large Pulls: Amazon
Small Knobs: Amazon
DECORATING
There’s nothing like lifting the spirits of a woman in quarantine like new decor for her home. Am I right ladies? Depending on where you live, you might not be able to shop in store right now (we miss HomeGoods!). The online options are endless! Target also has a new line we LOVE from Studio McGee. Here’s just a sample below:
Believe it or not, but the way you decorate your home can and will impact the ability to sell. Staying minimally on trend shows the buyer you care enough to invest in the small things of your home so you probably invest in the larger, unseen things of the home.
BACKSPLASH
If your home doesn’t have a back splash in the kitchen now may be a good time to watch some how-to videos and get your tile game on. Do not, I repeat, do not try to take the easy way out and buy peel and stick tile. It might look good and does trick the eye, but has no return on investment. Subway tiles are a guaranteed option for resale. They have been around for years and never go out of style.
CURB APPEAL
First impressions mean the most. The weather is finally getting nicer, so now might be a good time to get outside and take on some of those exterior items you’ve been meaning to address. Getting some much needed Vitamin D can lift your spirits and at the same time you will be providing a fresh ray of sunshine to your home.
We hope you make the most of any extra time to create a space you love and check some of those nagging “to do’s” off your list. If DIY is not your thing, we would be happy to help. Just give us a call at 703-552-04545 or go online and sign up for an online consultation.
We would love the opportunity to help you shine a spotlight on your home.
*Disclaimer: This page contains Amazon affiliate links which means Staged by Design® may earn commission if you use links provided
The Mother of All Quarantine Holidays
Mother's Day is right around the corner! Friday is May 1st. The Mother of all quarantine holidays is quickly approaching! Mother's day is the 10th (just in case you don't know what time, day or month it is right now....we get it). But don't worry, our staff has rounded up some great Amazon gift ideas for mom.
We can't count on those precious homemade gifts this year for Grammy since kids aren't in school. And social distancing, as well as a short time frame, have limited our resources. So, our staff picked out some great Amazon gift ideas for mom you can ship directly and act as if you had a plan all along. These gifts are sure to please the mom you haven't seen in a few months due to COVID-19, or the mom who is working from home and juggling online school with her kids. AND if you're a mom reading this, there's no harm in forwarding this on to special members of your family to "suggest" a nice gift idea. Let's be honest - sometimes they need a little push in the right direction. Am I right?!?
If you missed our blog earlier in the year on Top Picks for Design Books, these make GREAT gifts for some design/decorating inspiration. We are all getting rather bored with our homes at this point and wanting to freshen up our spaces. Go check it out!
Now for our Staff picks:
Leigh - Half Baked Harvest Super Simple by Tieghan Gerard
This is great for those who are home cooks that are pressed for time or just starting out. It's a go-to for hassle-free meals that never sacrifice taste.
Wendy - Harney & Sons Tea Sampler + Cute tea mug
Tea lovers will enjoy the variety in this sampler pack and who wouldn't cherish a mug that reminds them of the greatest song ever by Whitney!
Lauren - Best Mom Ever Wine gift set
What mom doesn't need this during quarintine? Enough said.
Kim - Hand lettering workbook by Amy Latta + Tombow dual tip pens
We could all use a little distraction in our days - why not learn a new hobby? Create beautiful art with easy step by step instructions.
Tracy - Biking outfit
Since the gyms are closed, try something new. Biking the trails is fun and why not look cute while you do it?!
If mom is a "hard to buy for lady" - try to support a small business with a gift card. We offer online redesign consultations. You can book online at https://sbd.appointlet.com/ - distance is not a problem! Find a way to honor mom - THIS year she deserves the attention since we can't be together! We hope you all have a safe, relaxing Mother's Day 2020.
*Disclaimer: This page contains Amazon affiliate links which means Staged by Design® may earn commission if you use links provided