4 Design Trends Holding Strong for Real Estate

This year’s spring market has turned into more of a summer market thanks to COVID-19. More buyers are listing their homes now that states have opened back up with social distancing protocols. Although inventory may be lower does not mean buyers will not be particular about the upkeep and condition of the home.

We have identified four design trends that are holding strong in real estate. With each of these trends, you can improve your home’s appearance with simple, low cost updates that will give you a great return on investment (ROI) and sell your home quicker.

Not sure how to approach these trends in your own home? Book your consultation today. We provide staging services for all of Northern Virginia for our in-person consultations, and can assist out of area clients via our Online Staging Consultations.

Soft neutral paint colors

Buyers are still loving their neutral walls. We highlighted some beautiful no- fail wall colors in a previous post. Neutral walls give the sense of relief to a buyer when they walk in the home. It’s clean, it’s easy to live with and goes with any style. Buyers, on average, will offer $5000 less the cost of what it would cost you to have it painted. For example, it may cost you $3000 to have the main portion of the home painted, but the buyer will offer you $8000 less on asking price. Huge difference right?! We like to call it the “pain and suffering” penalty. Some colors just aren’t tolerable for buyers (ahem - we’re looking at you, red walls) and they don’t want to go through the pain and suffering of trying to get the walls painted before moving into the home. As a result, they offer FAR less.

Mixed Metals with Light Fixtures

Progress Lighting Chandelier - Amazon

We are seeing more and more light fixtures using a mix of metals. We are also noticing the metal on light fixtures doesn’t necessarily have to match the hardware on the cabinets. This is great as it offers flexibility with design choices. Light fixtures are such an inexpensive way to update your home and create a HUGE impact. They are the jewelry of the home. Builder grade light fixtures scream the fact you haven’t updated your home since you moved in 20 years ago.

Painted Cabinets

Instead of spending tons of money replacing cabinets, think about painting your cabinets. BUT PLEASE DO NOT TRY THIS YOURSELF - LEAVE IT TO THE PROFESSIONALS. Painted cabinetry has been on trend for a couple of years now and is still holding steady in today’s market. Islands are often painted a different color to set them apart and to add interest. If your cabinets are in great shape other than the finish, painting is a low cost way to create an updated feel to the home. Buyers will notice when a bad job has been done so please don’t try this as a weekend DIY project. When done correctly they will bring much added value to your home.

Luxury Vinyl Tile and Planks

Vinyl has come a long way, baby. A great way to update your flooring (particularly outdated tile) is to install luxury vinyl tile or planks - also known as LVT or LVP. The planks give the look and feel of wood floors without the upkeep of wood floors (so Fido can run all he wants on this flooring with no scratches left behind). This flooring is also an excellent choice for basements, as it can tolerate water better than wood or carpet in case there happens to be an accidental flood. This flooring is becoming more prevalent in today’s homes. It updates the home and gives the look and feel of tile or wood without the maintenance and upkeep.

Small, inexpensive updates can give a huge return. These four investments will give you a substantial return on investment (ROI) no matter where you live. Buyers want homes that look updated and feel updated, and these four design trends will be noticed immediately when walking into a perspective home. We stage, on average, 500 homes a year and these four items are on our list for 90% of the homes we stage. If you need help getting your home market ready, let us help. We can do virtual consultations no matter where you live. We strive to offer the best advice with low cost updates to give you the maximum return on investment.

Book your online consultation today and let us shine the spotlight on your home.

*Disclaimer: This page contains Amazon affiliate links which means Staged by Design® may earn commission if you use links provided

Fresh New Look, Same Great Service

We have been in the process for quite some time now perfecting a new fresh look.  Introducing our new logo and website!  This is a fresh new look but we are the same great service you have known and loved for the past 13 years.  March 13th marked our 13th year in business so we thought what better way to celebrate turning a teenager than with a complete make over.  (We are in the design business you know.)

Our new website gives you the ability to not only request a quick quote and book a consultation appointment, but it also allows you to view our beautiful portfolio of homes.  This portfolio allows you to see our completed projects as well as give you inspiration for new ideas. 

Home staging has become more of an expectation through the years and the standards are higher than they used to be.  It has become more of a designer look than rented furniture to fill the space.  We have consistently changed with the times and remain vigilant in keeping our inventory on trend – giving our clients a sophisticated, designed look. 

So even though our look has changed a little bit, we are still the same great service you rely on when it comes time to sell your home.  We are always here to HELP.  If you are looking to sell soon, please feel free to book a consultation appointment online.  We are mostly virtual right now due to COVID-19 quarantine but we hope to be back in homes soon.   Also, if you are looking to freshen up your own space, we are here to help with our redesign services.  Check out all our services here on our website. 

Let us help you SHINE the spotlight on your home!

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

Zoom Room Makeover

Zoom meetings have replaced the usual company/client meetings these days thanks to COVID-19. And society as we know it may just continue using this wonderful new way to communicate. However, if you are like me, do you find yourself inspecting your meeting attendee's room backdrops? Asking myself are they real or a green screen type backdrop? Deciding what they should do in order to freshen up their room. All those designer thoughts. Well, maybe now is the time to think about that zoom room makeover to give you a polished look in your meetings. We all know first impressions mean a lot! Zoom meetings are going to stick around well past COVID-19 so we might as well freshen up our work space in order to give that good first impression.

If you read our last post (and if not click here), you know we gave you some fun new office accessories to brighten up your office space. This time we went a little further and created a whole room for your zoom backdrop! The beauty of this zoom room makeover we have curated is it's all click and ship with Amazon! So in 2-5 days you could have a total makeover and woo your co-workers or clients with your hip new office space. AND have absolute social distancing while purchasing.

• Desk

• Chair

• Lamp

• Rug

• Tree

• Basket for Tree

• Wall Art Piece 1

• Wall Art Piece 2

Paint color selected for this room was Benjamin Moore Gray Owl with an accent color of Sherwin Williams Iron Ore.

This zoom backdrop gives you a polished, subtle look so people can focus on you and your ideas and not your space. If you would like a more tailored look for your zoom space, give us a call at 703-552-4545 or book a virtual interior redesign consult online. We would love to shine a spotlight on your home office!

*Disclaimer: This page contains Amazon affiliate links which means Staged by Design® may earn commission if you use links provided

Home Office Mini-Makeovers

Since the COVID-19 quarantine began, most of us have been in our home office more so than ever before. And most of us could use a little pick-me-up to freshen up the space. We've created some home office mini-makeovers for you to 'treat yo'self' and bring a little sunshine to your quarantined work space.

No matter your style, there's so many fun, whimsical office products out there to incorporate in your space. Here's a couple styles we have curated for your online shopping retail therapy.

This modern style is all the rage. Mixing matte black with brushed gold and/or copper is so on trend.

1. Succulent Planters

2. Desk Lamp

3. Tape Dispenser

4. Picture Frame

5. Paper Clip holder

6. Letter Board

7. File Folders

8. Letter Holder

9. Reusable Post it Notes

10. Rug

Joanna Gaines would be super happy with our picks for a farmhouse style home office. We hope you are too.

1. Plant

2. Desk Lamp

3. Letter Board

4. File Tray

5. Paper Clip Holder

6. Word Art

7. Calendar

8. Pen Holder

9. Trash Can

10. Rug

We are confident these fun mini-makeovers can freshen up that home office space and spark your creativity while you work from home. If you want a more tailored design, feel free to give us a call at 703-552-4545 or book online for a virtual redesign consultation. We would be delighted to shine a spotlight on your home office!

*Disclaimer: This page contains Amazon affiliate links which means Staged by Design® may earn commission if you use links provided

Staging Toolkit for Realtors

Real estate doesn't stop because of a global pandemic. Clients need to sell regardless based on circumstances prior to the coronavirus outbreak. Whether it's during this crazy time or just a normal day outside of coronavirus mania, we thought it might be handy to supply you with a basic staging toolkit for realtors that can help prepare a house for sell when professional staging is not an option. (Click on pictures below to purchase straight from Amazon)

The finishing touches really do count when transforming a house to a home. The same is considered when staging a home to sell. There are little things you as realtors can keep on hand to assist in staging a property and making that buyer feel like that house is home.

Door Mats

First impressions are a must. Buyers on average make up their mind if they like a house within the first 15 seconds of entering a home. Why not make the most of those first few seconds by placing new clean mats at both the exterior and interior entrance?

Towels

Who doesn't love a brand new towel?? White towels are a must. They scream crisp and clean and go with every type of decor. We like to place towels on every towel bar in every bathroom to soften it as most bathrooms come across as cold and empty. And don't rule out a good gray towel if your bathroom has a lot of white in the hard surfaces. This will bring a pop of color to the bathroom but still keep it neutral..

Shower Curtains

Shower curtains also add to the softening of a bathroom. White shower curtains, again, shout crisp and clean and they go with all decor. We've also recommended a fun ombre one as well to bring in that ever-so-popular gray.

Bedding

White bedding gives a bed that hotel feel. Are you sensing our crisp and clean theme?? It's simple, neutral and creates a wonderful focal point for professional photos. Gray is also a great neutral backdrop if the room is light in color. Used together, you can fold one at bottom to create a nice layering of textiles that feel like luxury and comfort. And don't forget that white bed skirt if needed!

Lamps

Lighting is key to showing a home. Not only do we suggest using the highest wattage, non-energy efficient light bulb you can, but we also suggest layering lighting with lamps in darker areas. This will help buyers see the house better at night and on darker, cloudier days. Here's some great lamps to keep on hand that will never lose trend and will work with almost every style.

We hope this staging toolkit for realtors will be helpful to add some light touches to your properties. We are always available if you need to call in the big guns - we are still staging vacant homes using all the necessary precautions to keep your client and ourselves safe from COVID-19. Feel free to give us a call (703-552-4545) or book a virtual home consultation online and we will be happy to partner with you to 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

Simple COVID-19 kit for Stagers and Realtors

As realtors and stagers, your work doesn't stop just because there is a global pandemic. People still need to sell/buy based on life situations prior to the coronavirus outbreak. However, because of this outbreak you need to make sure to practice proper cleaning and safety procedures when entering residences. To prevent the spread of COVID-19, we have come up with a simple COVID-19 toolkit for stagers and realtors to keep you and your clients safe .

We have taken extra precaution to ensure safe and sanitized operation within our business. As we stage and de-stage vacant homes we are taking extra measures to clean and sanitize by wiping down surfaces and maintaining social distancing protocols. We also are asking that NO ONE be in the home except for our staff and/or our movers. If you are supplying goods to stage a client's home, there are a few products we thought might help you as you meet with clients and/or remove staging inventory you have provided. Here's Leigh with a little more about these products and our procedures.

https://youtu.be/RKOWlm5ju0Y

Latex Gloves

https://amzn.to/2JDchYA

We suggest at least 5ml of thickness for your gloves. Any thinner and they just seem to rip thus defeating their purpose.

Silver Microbial Cleaning Cloths

https://amzn.to/2xta8Mg

These cloths can be used on any surface and only require water. The

silver-based antimicrobial agent in these cloths allow you to disinfect surfaces without the use of chemicals. The fibers are so tiny they are able to remove 99 percent of bacteria effortlessly just by wiping the surface. Then you can wash and reuse for the same amount of effectiveness.

Clear trash bags

https://amzn.to/3aqWOX4

We use these trash bags from Costco for a variety of different jobs. They are affordable and hold a significant amount of volume. These have become particularly handy when destaging our properties. We take the trash bag and place it over soft goods such as pillows and bedding. Then we scoop them up in the bag and tie it. This prevents us from touching these items while packing them.

Screen Safe Cleaning Wipes

https://amzn.to/39nsLhK

How many times have we used our phones and/or laptops with our gloves on? This only transports the germs from the gloves to our screens. Touch screens can be cleaned with clorox wipes, however these wipes could have damaging effects on the touch screen ability after multiple cleanings. These cloths do the work of cleaning your screen of germs while protecting its ability to function.

We hope you find these helpful as we strive to do our job but to do it in the safest manner possible. If we can be of assistance, we are still providing our services through vacant stagings and online home consultations. Book an appointment online today and let's partner together to shine a spotlight on your home .

*Disclaimer: Products referenced in this document are for your safety/convenience and does not constitute endorsement, recommendation, or favoring by the CDC. This page also contains affiliate links which means Staged by Design® may earn commission if you use links provided

Introducing a new service: Online Consultations

INTRODUCING......online virtual consultations! The effects of the coronavirus epidemic have affected all of us. As we all practice social distancing, we here at Staged by Design® will continue to offer our services utilizing online virtual consultations. We know some our clients still have a need to sell homes regardless of what's going on in the world. Here's owner, Leigh Newport, with more on this new service:

https://youtu.be/CyvQadvibO8

If you would like to learn more about our consultation process, please refer to our blog post on Home Consultations: Friend or Foe.We do our best to provide recommendations that will increase your return on investment and we have a proven track record to prove it.

To setup your online virtual consultation, visit our website and schedule today. We would love to partner with you and shine a spotlight on your home!

Home Staging Consultations - Friend or Foe?

Why is it that most of us feel the need to apologize for the condition of our home? Our homes are meant to be lived in - it's ok. However, living in your home is MUCH different than selling your home. Are home staging consultations meant to scare you or help you? They are most definitely there to help you maximize your home's return on investment.

Home staging consultations are a two hour visit that allows you to see your home through the eyes of the buyer. The goal of our consultation visit is to provide you with recommendations that are allgeared towards maximizing your return on investment for selling your home. It is also target marketing. We want your house to visually look good online so that it will attract buyers to come visit. The National Association of Realtors (NAR) reports that 44% of buyers start their home search online and 98% of buyers frequently use the web to search for homes. In this internet age, real estate agents are suggesting home staging as a strategy to “wow” virtual viewers from the very first picture.

Our consultations provide you with an exhaustive list that covers each room of the home. No matter how overwhelming it may seem, we break it down into bits and pieces to provide you with a priority list. Ultimately, it's your money and your budget and you may not be able to do all of our suggestions. Having a priority list will let you know where you will get the most return if updates are made. Our two hour consultations come with a detailed report before our departure and cover areas such as:

• curb appeal

• specific de-cluttering advice

• furniture placement

• accessorizing using existing furnishings

• recommendations and/or options for furniture, artwork or accessories needed, but not present in the home

• deferred maintenance issues

• specific paint color recommendations as needed

• updating and/or upgrading suggestions such as countertops, cabinets, lighting, carpet, etc.

• specific lighting suggestions complete with links to local shopping venues

So the next question is, what do you need to do before we come for a consultation? Absolutely nothing! Take a look at Leigh's video to hear her explain.

https://youtu.be/5BPntENjyIM

Are you a real estate agent or homeowner selling a home that needs a little TLC? You don’t need to spend a lot of money to achieve an upscale look. Let us help you select on-trend, cost effective options, geared towards maximizing your return on investment. Take a look at some of our work and give us a call or schedule an appointment online for a home consultation. We would be happy to partner with you and shine a spotlight on your home.

#MustRead - Our Favorite Top 10 Design Books

This page contains affiliate links meaning I earn a commission if you use those links.

Despite current cold temperatures, it seems that spring is just around the corner, even though it's not yet February. Perhaps it's the many home owners we work with that are eagerly preparing their homes for the Spring Real Estate Market, or just the winter doldrums, but we at Staged by Design® use the cold months to curl up with a great design book. From the striking photos to the practical tips, curling up with an amazing design book is the best way to stave off decor complacency. You can easily work through a chapter in a short period of time, or simply flip through the photos for endless inspiration.

We have curated 10 design and lifestyle books that run the gamut for style and scope. Don't be afraid to take risks with your designs, or your inspiration. Push the boundaries to find the comfort zone you never know existed!

Down to Earth

1. Down to Earth: Laid Back Interiors for Modern Living

Local gal and host of HGTV's "Best House on the Block",  this is Lauren Liess second publication, and it doesn't disappoint. 

Whiskey in a Teacup

2. Whiskey in a Teacup

Who doesn't love Reese Witherspoon? Lovers of Southern style will enjoy her take on entertaining, design and lifestyle.

This is Home

3. This is Home: The Art of Simple Living

Author Natalie Walton gives us this photo heavy insight into finding the essence of what makes you happy at home, and expresses it with examples of homes across the globe. 

Elements of Style: Designing a Home and a Life

4. Elements of Style: Designing a Home & a Life

If you follow the blog, "Elements of Style", by Erin Gates, this book is a classic, and a must have. Erin's shares her approachable, real world experiences as an interior designer as well as in her own home. Her relatable style rings true.

Homebody

5. Homebody: A Guide to Creating Spaces You Never Want to Leave

Shiplap, anyone? Joanna Gaines latest offering. The only downside? Not enough Chip.

Styled

6. Styled: Secrets for Arranging Rooms, from Tabletops to Bookshelves

This New York Times Bestseller is the ultimate guide to thinking like a stylist.

Think New Modern

7. Think New Modern: Interiors by Swimberghe & Verlinde

Tired of farmhouse, industrial and overly cute ANYTHING? This visually stunning option is European style meets modern aesthetic. What's not to love? 

The Kinfolk Home

8. The Kinfolk Home: Interiors for Slow Living

Haven't heard of the shelter magazine, Kinfolk? Think Instagram in a magazine, with glossy, simple, striking photos, oozing with style in page after page. Their latest book embodies the slow life aesthetic beautifully.

Cozy Minimalist Home

9. Cozy Minimalist Home

Popular blogger, Myquillyn Smith (a.k.a The Nester), did it again with her second design book. Her first book, The Nesting Place, embraced the idea that it didn't have to be perfect to be beautiful. (thank goodness!) Now with Cozy Minimalist Home she helps create a mindset that allows you to achieve the style you love with less stuff.

Inspire Your Home

10. Inspire Your Home: Easy Affordable Ideas to Make Every Room Glamorous

Who wants a house that looks like a million dollars but doesn't want to spend a million dollars? Instagram star, Farrah Merhi, guides the reader through every room of the home with tips and advice on how to achieve the look you want without spending a fortune.

What are your favorite, well-loved design books you cherish? Please let us know. We'd love to hear from you.  For more inspiration, visit our website for a gallery of all our projects! Or better yet - follow us on Facebook or Instagram!

The Insiders Guide to Questions You Should Ask When Hiring a Home Stager

Are a home owner or a realtor seeking to find a partnership with a home stager to better market your home? There's a lot of home stagers out there and the industry can be very confusing. Currently there are no regulations as to who can become a home stager. So, what makes a good home stager and what should I ask when hiring one? Take a look at my video for a brief overview of what you should look for when hiring a home stager.

https://youtu.be/tEbuNA1NjRY

To recap - here's five questions you should review with every home stager when seeking a partnership to better market your home:

1. Is home staging their full time job?

Many do home staging on the side or as a hobby. If they are full time you know their business is serious.

2. What training have they received? Ask about their education.

Many home stagers do not have a degree in interior design. That's because home staging is more about target marketing while interior design is more about the design for a homeowner. With that aside, there are professional certifications to become a home stager. If your home stager has that certification then they have been trained in design to market a home to sell.

3. What are their average days on market? Ask to see previous staged properties.

Reputable home stagers take photos of all their staged properties. By asking to see these photos you are ensuring their style will meet your needs. Also by asking how many days their homes have been on market gives you a clear view of the quality of their work.

4. Are they insured?

This is a very important question for anyone who comes into your home and does work on your home. Home stagers are no exception.

5. Do they partner with movers or have an in-house team?

Home stagers depending on size will either hire an outside mover to help load furniture in/out of the home or have an in-house logistics team that does the heavy lifting. Just nice to know if you will have another company reputation to review before hiring home stager.

If you are in the market for a home stager who will work with you to market your home for top dollar, then give us a call at 703-552-4545 or make an appointment online.

We would love to SHINE A SPOTLIGHT ON YOUR HOME!

Three Different Looks for one Space

Staging homes with the same floor plan can provide an opportunity to design and create different looks within one space. For the past few years, we have had the privilege of working with Sekas Homes staging three of their model homes with almost the same floor plan and creating three totally different looks. Sekas Homes brings understated elegance and craftsmanship to each of the homes they build. The attention to detail is evident and it's what makes a great partnership between our two companies.

Most recently, Sekas Homes developed Sunrise Square, a townhome community in Reston, VA. We were asked to stage the Model Home. Once that Model sold, we were asked to do the next. We have staged a total of 3 Model Homes so far - each with their own look and own personality. The floor plan remains basically the same - the design makes each one different. Scroll down to view how each room style evolved over time.

Living Room:

Kitchen area

Kitchen/Dining Area:

Master Bedroom:

Loft (two of the condos has a third level loft - here's our two takes for the space):

Isn't it interesting how style evolves over time? Each of these Reston town home models were staged from six months to a year. It demonstrates how you can create a totally different look with the same space just by using different furnishings and purposes for the space.

Which one is YOUR favorite? Give us a call at 703-552-4545 or schedule an appointment online for your next staging or redesign project. We would love to help!

Best of 2019

As we wrap up another year, we here at Staged By Design wanted to pay tribute to 2019 and spotlight some of our best stagings and memories throughout this year. It's been a privilege to work with our clients and help them sell their homes faster and for top dollar.

Statistics prove that staging sells. Of all our stagings this year, 80% of our homes sold within the year. The average day on the market for our homes was 21 days! We had MANY of our homes sell within one week of being on the market. The numbers don't lie - home staging is definitely an investment that gives a return!

We loved working with all of these amazing homes, but there were a few designs that stood out to us. Our team collectively picked our top 5 favorite stagings of the year. Here they are in no particular order:

• Dean Drive, McLean, VA

• Roland Clarke Place, Reston, VA

• Aldie Road, Aldie, VA

• Golden Arrow Street, Great Falls, VA

• Great Falls Street, McLean, VA

We had some great stagings but we can't forget about some VERY memorable animal antics of the year!

First up comes Champ, the pig who randomly walked by the office on a leash. We learned that day our warehouse neighbor is Bionic Pets, who creates custom pet prosthetics. An interesting day at the office for sure. Second isn't quite as cute and friendly. When on a destage, we discovered a little squirrel who had crawled under a bed pillow and died! Wendy about died too that day! LOL! And finally, hats off to all the cats who look totally annoyed by our visits and wonder why their cat condos can't stay in the room.

Despite all the animal craziness, we have received a lot of recognition this year. Our team has worked hard to improve our processes, style and inventory. We are excited to bring more of these improvements into the new decade.

We would love a chance to SHINE for you in 2020! Give us a call or go online to set up a consultation. It's worth the investment. Here's to a new decade!

Selling During the Holidays

Selling your Northern Virginia home during the holidays is not ideal but sometimes can't be avoided.  The decision to decorate for the holidays when selling a house is always difficult.  Should you put a tree up?  Should you put outside lights on the house?  Should you just skip Christmas, Kwanzaa, or Hanukkah all together?  It can be more stress on top of what is already a stressful time of the year for most. 

The good thing about selling your home during the holidays is that most buyers are serious. Those that are house shopping NEED to purchase, which is good. Historically, there are fewer homes on the market as well, which also works in your favor. However, the need for proper presentation is still key, no matter what time of year you are listing.

Just as personal belongings tend to distract buyers, your seasonal decorating can serve to be a distraction, however you don't have to ditch ALL your holiday decorating traditions.  Here are 10 tips on how to navigate staging your home to sell during the holidays.

#1: Clean and declutter.

This is your first step to selling your home any time of the year.  Decluttering your home before bringing out any holiday decorations is a must, or you risk your seasonal decor simply adding to the clutter that already exists.

#2: WAIT to decorate until AFTER your professional photos have been taken.

Your photos are the first thing a buyer sees and you don’t want them to see a Christmas tree in your photos in February if your house didn’t sell quickly.

#3: KISS – Keep it simple silly! 

Whatever you use to decorate – keep everything simple.  Display a few classic pieces instead of every heirloom family favorite. Your tree should be simple and able to fit the space.  Larger trees for large rooms and slim trees for smaller spaces.  If you use a real tree – make sure to daily pick up fallen needles.

#4: Use seasonal greenery.

Deck the halls with fresh garland and use a fresh evergreen wreath to adorn your front door.  Greenery is traditional and simple and adds a great smell to the home.

#5: Don’t display your Christmas cards

We all love those cards we receive from family and friends.  However, this can be like personal photos and create a distraction as well as provide visual disruption, no matter how you decide to display.

#6: Wrap up a few empty boxes under the tree.

This creates a finished look without causing stressing about someone stealing your actual gifts.  Place your gifts under the tree when your family celebrates.

#7: Put away religious symbols.

No nativity scenes, menorahs, nutcrackers, etc.  The goal is to allow anyone to envision themselves living in YOUR home, regardless of their personal beliefs. Best to keep those packed away for next year in your new house.

#8: Use white lights.

White lights are simple and elegant and do not distract or make a room crazy.  If you have to string extension cords all over the house to use lights, then just avoid them altogether.  You don’t want to allude to the fact there is not sufficient outlets in the home.

#9: Use simple ornaments.

Back to the "keep it simple" in tip #3.  Instead of trimming your tree with your family's homemade ornaments, use simple, streamlined ornaments in the same color.  This will make your tree less of a distraction and more of a part of the home for the holidays.

#10: Curb appeal

Use lights on the exterior of the home only to highlight a feature such as a great tree in the front yard or the architecture of the house.  If everyone in the neighborhood lights up their house, don’t be the neighborhood grinch and shy away from the flair of the neighborhood.  But in the same sense, don’t be the Griswolds of the neighborhood – remember to keep it simple and stay away from excessive lights and inflatable yard décor.  AND one last thing -  always make sure to clear away any snow or ice from the driveway and or sidewalks to make your house presentable and accessible.

You don’t have to skip the holidays just because your house is on the market.  Following our home staging tips can help you enjoy the holidays while minimizing the stress.  And who knows, you may just wake up Christmas morning with an offer!

Need additional help deciding how to prepare your Northern Virginia home for sale? We offer both interior redesign consultations for those staying in their home, and staging consultations to help get your home show ready.

Book an appointment today online!

High Point Fall 2019 Design Trends

Visiting any one of the annual Furniture Markets held across the country is the best way to stay on top of emerging design trends. We love High Point, not only for its proximity, but for the sheer volume and range of décor, accessories and furniture as one of the largest markets that are open to the Trade Only.

This year we saw the following new trends, as well as some oldies still holding strong: 

Velvet

Velvet was present in all tones, both in furniture and pillows, although we loved the deep, saturated look of the emerald and moss greens. Velvet lends richness to any room with its subtle sheen and evokes a feeling of luxury. We like to use it in pillows and benches and may add a few velvet headboards in the coming months.  

Rattan and Woven Furniture and Accessories

The look of “Boho Chic” in the last few years brought back macramé and wall hangings reminiscent of the 1970’s. The trend continues by incorporating woven texture with unique materials outside of standard rattan. We loved the benches, chairs and ottomans woven with leather, in irregular patterns, and believe it or not, papasan-type chairs.

We will be adding a few of these fun chairs to our inventory soon:

Channel Detail

The tufted look of everything from headboards, to chairs, sofas, ottomans and benches has given way to the channel detail, which is a bit less traditional, and more streamlined. It is still a transitional look overall but can be easily incorporated into a more contemporary space and in some applications, has a nod to Art Deco Influence.  We used this lovely bench in a staging recently and it’s a perfect example of this new trend.

 Boucle

Boucle is a nubbly textured fabric, most typically seen in fashion. It has merged as a cozy, yet sophisticated finish for chairs. Its Sherpa-like feel is another example of the strong presence of texture in today’s design trends. 

Shagreen

Whether it is real or faux, Shagreen is one of our favorite finishes. This year, we saw it in everything from coffee tables to consoles. The color is typically gray to green/gray, with very little sheen. It is a subtle, but oh-so rich tactile material that pairs well with today’s neutrals and brushed metals. We have  a pair of gray and silver Shagreen table lamps that we LOVE and use often. The look gives a nod to an animal print that has timeless application.  

Texture and Detail

Texture was EVERYWHERE and on EVERYTHING! From rugs that combined shag elements with jute or sisal backgrounds, to small channeling on a dining table buffet to multi-dimensional mixed media art to the tactile finishes listed above. Texture is also one of the easiest ways to add interest to your home or listings. We particularly love to incorporate a mix of textures with black and white palettes, whether sophisticated, or farmhouse. 

Home staging aldie

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Home staging Leesburg

Click here to view the entire project

Did you know that we offer classes and workshops on Design Trends? Contact us if you'd like us to speak to your local Northern Virginia or real estate group! We'd love to share which of these trends we feel has staying power and how to incorporate this look into your home without spending a fortune.

For more fun pictures from High Point Market, follow us on Instagram and Facebook. Let us help you stay on top of trends with your home or listing. Contact us today to schedule a staging consultation or interior redesign appointment.  We look forward to working with you! 

The Making of a Model Home

When you walk into a model home, do you ever wonder how it gets decorated so beautifully?  We recently had the pleasure to work with Classic Homes in McLean, VA. We decided it might be fun to document the event to show the makings of a model home. Take a look at our video recap of this project:

https://youtu.be/ADh69CYhIyY

Here’s a few interesting stats involved with this design:

It takes time and thought to design a model home. We strive to make sure the details are perfect. Are you a builder or know one in the NoVA area?  Let us stage your next model home!  Give us a call at 703-552-4545 or visit us on Facebook or Instagram!

Can’t Beat the Real Thing – Virtual Staging vs. Professional Home Staging

Technology is in every area of our lives.  Real estate is no exception.  Buyers can “shop” for homes anywhere they have WiFi.  And based off what they see online, they develop a list of potential homes they want to visit.  Home staging has benefited sellers by creating beautiful spaces for beautiful online photographs.  Buyers are not only looking for a new house but they are visualizing a home when they shop.  According to the National Realtor Association, 44% of agents feel staging increases the dollar value offered for a home and 53% say staging decreases the amount of time a home is on the market.  So if staging is so beneficial – which is better – virtual or professional home staging?

First let’s address - what is virtual staging?  Virtual staging is the process of using software to enhance photos of an empty home.

BUT in reality – the house is still an empty box. 

Professional home staging makes a connection between the home and the buyer. From start to finish, professional staging caters to the demographics of the buyer and furnishes the home with that in mind. Professional home stagers also use design principles to space plan accordingly to the design of the house. When buyers walk into a home they need to visualize the space for their needs.  Seeing a home is also an emotional experience for a buyer.  The feeling a buyer gets when walking into a home is a clear directive as to whether they love the home or not.

Professional home staging may be a little more expensive upfront but it’s proven track record of selling homes faster can’t be beat.  Virtual staging is a risk.  We have encountered countless clients who have started with virtual staging, then a price reduction and finally end up coming to us for professional home staging. Once our work is done, the house sells quickly but it cost the seller more time and money in the long run. All of this could have been avoided if a little more money up front were given to professional staging and the home could have sold for top dollar. You can’t beat the real thing.  Professional home staging works.

If you are wanting to sell your home fast, give us a call for a home staging consultation.  Or simply click here for our online scheduling form.  We want to give you the real deal for real results!

70's Blast From the Past - The Brady's and Design

How many of you have been watching the HGTV seriesA Very Brady Renovation?  With over 8.1 million viewers of the first episode, I would assume a lot of you!  We all love a good reunion show and this one is a blast from the past and lures the attention of stagers and designers alike.  For those of you who haven’t heard of this new offering from HGTV, the original cast of from The Brady Bunch reunited in honor of the 50th anniversary of their 70’s sitcom.  The Brady kids, along with HGTV personalities, are renovating the interior of the house used for the iconic exterior shots of TV house.  For those of you who may not know, the interior of the home was a studio set. The show focuses on the renovations that turn a ranch-style home into the identical two story interior of the set-no small feat, even for HGTV. 

The excitement of this show got us thinking about the evolution of design.  How much of the 70's is coming back to design today?  We see a lot of design trends from  the 70's design (now called mid-century) in 2019 in a much more modern, sophisticated way.  Here are a few examples:

Color:

Shades of avocado green, orange, tans and browns along with some mustard yellow are popping into home decor.  These are all warm palettes from 70's décor but they are showing up in a more sophisticated manner.  And since we all painted our walls white recently due to the 2018 trend, these warm colors will coordinate nicely with our neutral backdrop.

Furniture:

Rattan and wicker are making a comeback in chairs and barstools thanks to the recent surge in the boho aesthetic that's gained popularity recently.  You'll even see it on the walls. All of these create a natural look to any space.

Plants/Greenery:

Plants add a natural organic feel to a space.  Even if you don’t have a green thumb, manufacturers have gotten so good at making fake plants look so real.  Popular finds today  from the 70's include Ferns with their featherlike stems, Sansevieria or Snake Plants (aka Mother-in-laws tongue) and palm fronds of all kinds.

Patterns and Textures:

Geometric patterns are showing up in a variety of ways fromlight fixtures, tile, artwork and wallpaper. 

Accent walls have made a comeback but in a moresophisticated manner than just paint. Instead you will see use of bold patterned wallpaper or textures like moldingsor wood. 

Texture is also showing up in velvet furnishings such ascouches, chairs and benches.  The textureof a shaggy or wool pouf is also a great addition that nods toward 70s vibes. 

Macramé has made a comeback adding texture into a room through plant hangers and wall art. It’s even being added to throw pillows and blankets. Crafting is cool again.

What are your thoughts on the 70's blast from the past with design today?  We have to agree with Jan Brady when she once said “Isn’t it just absolutely lovely?”.  The 70's vibe certainly has brought on some lovely design trends for 2019. 

If you are looking to incorporate a 70's vibe to your own home, but don't know how to start, give us a call or fill out our online scheduling form We would be happy to help you add modern spin of 70's design through our redesign consultation

What's in Your Toolkit?

How to make an easy art hanging tool for little to no money

What's in your wallet toolkit? Jennifer Garner may have her CapitalOne card but we've got an awesome addition for your staging or DIY toolkit. This homemade tool doesn't cost you a thing except time and a trip to a home improvement store paint department. Our Lead Stager, Tracy, demonstrates how to use this time saving invention.

What are you waiting for? RUN to your nearest hardware store and sweet talk that paint attendant for some paint sticks!

It's time saving tricks like these that allow us to stage an entire home in less than 4 hours. View our Gallery of Before and After photos here for inspiration in YOUR home or DIY project.
https://staged-by-design.com/staging-portfolio-2/

2019 Loudoun's Best Interior Designer

Leigh Newport was named 2019 Loudoun's Best Interior Designer by the readers of Loudoun Now, a Virginia based news media outlet.

Thank you to all our clients, friends and fans that voted! We are humbled and excited to receive this award.

Our team would love to help you with home staging or design needs. Give us a call at 703-552-4545.