How to Light up Your Life
Many people are choosing LED lights for their homes these days, but many have no clue where to start when shopping for LED bulbs. We’ve got some great resources and tips for you to figure out just how you can light up your life with cool products that are available.
Proper lighting is essential to create ambiance and enhance online photos. We are consistently asked about what type of bulb to purchase. The way to go these days is definitely LED bulbs. BUT they can be so confusing to shop for when you are unfamiliar with LED terminology such as lumens. Kristie Barnett, the Decorologist, has a helpful guide to wade through the myriad of options in LED lighting and WHY you should replace the bulbs in your home. Read it here. There she delves into the color (temperature) of LED bulbs and she also breaks down the conversion of watts to lumens for the brightness level of a room.
Sufficient lighting can be a huge problem when a home was not built with overhead lighting into rooms. There may be a switch attached to an outlet in the room that you can use to turn on a lamp, but that switch could be inconveniently located. Or better yet, one lamp just may not put out enough light for the entire room. One of our lead stagers, Kim Jones, found a cost effective solution to this problem in her own home. In the video below she demonstrates how you can light up a room with new smart bulb technology even when you don’t have overhead lighting. Take a look:
Say no to dark rooms and turn on the lights! Lighting technology has come a long way in the past five years. There’s so many cool products out there that provide the right light no matter your problem or area. Better lighting can increase your mood and your productivity levels. AND its especially helpful to have sufficient lighting when selling your home!
Why Stage A Home in a Seller's Market?
COVID brought on a myriad of shortages for 2021. The shortage of homes for sale has caused the real estate market to just go a little crazy, to say the least. It’s definitely a sellers’ market with little inventory and over the top bidding wars. Many are scoffing at the idea of home staging in this market because they think buyers are desperate to find homes. While this is true, we have many examples and statistics as to why you may want to consider the small investment in home staging before listing your home in today’s market. There may be money left on the table if you don’t…
The shortage of inventory is causing record multiple offers above asking price on homes. But just because it’s a seller’s market, does that mean any home will sell for multiple offers above asking price? The short answer - no. If a home has not been updated in over a decade, do not expect it to compete in today’s “crazy over listing price” market. Yes, it may sell but it won’t bring in top dollar due to the sheer fact the buyer will calculate in all those updates that need to be done.
In today’s market, your first step toward curb appeal is your online presence.
Pictures say a thousand words and in the real estate world it is the buyers’ first impression of any home. If your pictures don’t “wow” the client, it’s unlikely they will schedule a showing. If your pictures show years of neglect on updates, then you won’t see that high offer on day one. The buyer will simply move on to another home online.
Home sold in 2 days after staging!
Home staging allows the buyer to visualize themselves in the home.
According to the new 2021 survey from the National Association of Realtors®, eighty-two percent (82%) of buyer’s agents said staging a home made it easier for a buyer to visualize the property as a future home. If the buyer feels like it’s home, their desire for the house will drive their offer. This report also revealed that staging increased the sum buyers were willing to spend for a property. Twenty-three percent (23%) of buyers' agents said that home staging raised the dollar value offered between 1% and 5%, compared to similar homes on the market that hadn't been staged. Coincidentally, the same percentage of seller’s agents (23%) stated they received between 1% and 5% higher offers on home that had been staged. Let’s do the math on that, shall we:
Amounts are approximate depending on area you reside, size of home, and value of home. Home consultations are a service that provides you with a list of needed updates/repairs that the homeowner should consider. Full service staging is bringing in furniture for a vacant home. Both avenues give a nice return on investment.
So based on the math, you don’t lose money. You make back your investment plus gain an extra profit - the amount depends on your list price, and whether the home has been properly prepared.
Real estate agents have good reason to stage too
Don’t sacrifice your proven, repeatable systems even in this strong sellers’ market. That includes professional photography AND staging. This sellers’ market will not last forever, and it’s important to show how you differentiate yourself and your listings from other Real Estate Agents.
Don’t forget that a home that sells for more also increases YOUR commission, in addition to adding to the equity in your sellers’ home.
If you are a homeowner and/or realtor in the Northern Virginia area, take a look at this video that Owner, Leigh Newport, made in February. She makes great points to support the reasons behind staging in a sellers’ market.
It stands to say that the small investment in home staging can bring in a nice return on investment (ROI). In the past we’ve always referred to home staging being less than your first price reduction. In today’s market, you’ve got to consider the amount of money you are leaving at the table by NOT staging. Go ahead - be the best house on the block!
Interested in more tips and advice about home staging? Porch.com has a great Q&A article from home stagers around the country (including our very own Leigh Newport!). Check it out here: Real Estate Photography, Home & Virtual Staging Q & A: Tips & Advice
If you need help being the best, book an online appointment with us and allow us to shine a spotlight on your home!
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!
5 To-Dos for a Quick Listing
The Spring selling season is almost upon us. Are you ready? With limited inventory on the market, the home selling/buying process is moving very quickly. If you are needing to put your house on the market in a quick time-frame, we have come up with 5 things you need to do before listing. These are all very economical tasks you, as the homeowner, can do in a short time frame that will increase the salability of your home.
De-Clutter
Our home revolves around our lives. Life gets messy - especially with kids. But when selling a home, let's edit some of the items we use on a daily basis. We don’t really need buyers seeing our every day lives spilled out on the countertops of our kitchens and bathrooms. AND buyers don’t really want to see evidence of someone else living in the home.
Furniture Placement
If you can't see it, you can't sell it. Draw attention to the focal points of the room and make sure you have have ample walking space from room to room. This may mean moving some furniture out into storage while your house is on the market.
Clean, Clean, Clean!!
We are talking Spring cleaning on steroids. Make sure to take into consideration things you don't normally think about on a regular basis like air vents, light fixtures and grout. Sometimes buyers can see past clutter but they can’t see past the cleanliness and condition of the home.
Adding Style
Adding a few inexpensive light touches makes a huge difference. New pillows always freshen up an old sofa. New white crisp bedding and towels give off that clean hotel appeal while adding style to a space.
Curb Appeal
Realtors spend several minutes at each home trying to open the lock box and get the key to the home. During this time buyers are analyzing ALL the details of the front exterior. First impressions are huge! Items you can tackle in this area include trimming those overgrown bushes, adding a fresh coat of paint to the front door, giving the flower beds a fresh appearance with new mulch, and planting seasonal flowers.
The market is definitely crazy right now and things are moving at a fast pace. These 5 things will put you in the right direction toward a quick listing date. If you are feeling overwhelmed or your house needs a little TLC before hitting the market, book a home staging consultation with us. We will give you a room by room priority list of what you can do to spruce up your space within your budget. We can shine a spotlight on your home!
Brilliant Ideas for Creative Work Spaces in Your Home
Working from home and distance learning has slowly transformed to a more permanent situation for families across the country. Can you believe it’s been almost a year since our temporary anecdote of self-quarantine began? (GASP!) As time has gone on, so has life. Homebuyers today are showing tremendous grace to the makeshift dining room offices and the random desks in the living room. However, what if you could enhance your home by transforming under-utilized spaces into functional work spaces? Not only could you move your office out of your dining room, but you could wow homebuyers AND show off the functionality of your home. We have rounded up some brilliant ideas for creative work spaces in any home that are inexpensive and can be completed in a weekend.
The “Cloffice”
First off – The “Cloffice”. This is the 2021 trendy term for an office in a closet. Closets make great work spaces. They already have plenty of storage solutions available and they allow you to close the door to work when 5 o’clock hits (which is a must for mental health). There’s two ways a “cloffice” can be achieved. First off, if you have a large walk-in you can simply add a desk like this:
If you don’t have that large walk-in (which let’s face it - many of us don’t), you may have a closet in a guest room or a basement that you could completely transform into your new “cloffice”.
Photo by: Nesting With Grace
Under the Stairs
If you have stairs in your home, there’s probably a large likelihood you have some dead space underneath that could be utilized. This makes a great nook to create your home office area. Just a simple trip to the home improvement store is all it takes to transform this space into a functional work space.
Photo by: Adore Magazine
Where There’s a Wall There’s a Way
If you’ve got an empty wall in your home, you can create a functional work space. Whether it’s a big space or a little space we’ve got you covered.
Floating shelves are a great way to utilize a small space. You can easily create one with a board and shelf brackets.
Photo by: DIYHairpinLegs.com
If you have a larger wall space, this option is both temporary and inexpensive for creating multiple work spaces in one place. AND you can take it all with you when you sale your home. It’s a win-win!
Photo by: Jones Design Company
This “Murphy Desk” is a great solution to a tight space. It simply can be closed up when not in use. The functionality and the inexpensive price tag makes this a winner in our books.
Photo by World Market.com. Similar product - here
Dining Room Solutions
If you simply do not have anywhere else to go in your home, there are ways to make your dining room functional for an office space while still keeping it true to its original purpose. These ideas will help minimize the office clutter and allow you to still have that family meal on occasion.
If you have a china cabinet/hutch in your dining room, this is a functional option to store office supplies and files out of sight. This may mean packing up Grandma’s china for this temporary solution BUT Grandma will be proud of you for reimagining the space for these unprecedented times.
Photo by: iheartorganizing
Don’t have a hutch? Consider using rolling carts or file boxes and create a rolling office. When at work you have your supplies and when 5 o’clock comes you simply roll your office under the table. Out of sight out of mind.
If you have an old hope chest/toy box, you can create an office in a box. Martha Stewart has a great tutorial on how to convert this empty chest into functional office storage. AND it can double as a cute bench when you’re off the clock.
Photo by: Martha Stewart.com
Get creative, start re-evaluating the spaces in your home to become more productive both in school and work. And when it’s time to put your house on the market, you will have creative, intentional spaces to show off to buyers. 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 affiliate links which means Staged by Design® may earn commission if you use links provided
Home staging and Dating Have More In Common Than You Think
It’s February and love is in the air. Did you know that when selling your home, you are essentially courting your buyers? Think about it as the most expensive first date you can imagine. Blow this first impression and you’ll have more than unreturned phone calls to deal with! So, how do you channel that first date anxiety into preparing your home for sale?
Before your date, do a little soul searching
Pull out the proverbial full length mirror and prepare to be honest. You must scrutinize your home with a buyer’s eye. Stand in the doorway of each room and take pictures. This is what buyers will see online, where you have less than 3 seconds to grab their attention. Is there more furniture than open space? Does it look inviting? Your online presence is the first step to curb appeal.
Make it about them - not you.
Just as you would be selective with your fashion accessories, the same idea applies to your home. Pack up the knick-knacks, personal photos and breakables. Your goal is for the buyer to be able to envision themselves in your home, and de-personalizing and de-cluttering is key.
Reveal your strengths, not your weaknesses
When selecting the look for your big night, determine your best feature and highlight it. Do the same in your home by creating a focal point in each room. Create a conversation area around it, or use it as inspiration for what colors or furnishings should remain in the room.
If you find that you’re still not sure where to begin, Professional Home Stager takes on the role of the trusted girlfriend; sharing your goals, being supportive, yet brutally honest when a complete makeover is needed. They can do as much or as little as you like. If it’s your furnishings that could prevent your home from looking it’s best, they offer accessories and furniture for rent, and provide much needed direction for what it will take to sell your home for more money in less time.
Spotlight on Style - Dining In the Round
The isolation of the past year has us all longing for intimacy and comfort. As a result there is new emphasis on creating spaces that reflect these feelings in our homes. Adding a round dining table to your formal dining room can bring new life to a room that has almost become irrelevant.
Although a round table can feel much more casual, it's this very quality that makes a room more appealing. The stuffy formal room no one uses becomes a close, intimate and inviting place. An alcove where friends and family can gather and reconnect once our restrictions have been lifted.
Seating your guests around a circular dining table instantly sends an invitation to relax over a long, indulgent meal. Everyone is involved in the conversation, no one feels left out or isolated. Eye contact can be achieved with everyone at the table. The round shape overall makes for better conversation. By creating this intimate space, your guests will instantly feel more open, honest and encouraged to linger, giving everyone a much needed opportunity to reconnect.
Centerpieces for round dining tables can vary depending on the size of the room. Centerpieces for round tables can range from a large vase with fresh (or artificial) flowers to a group of candlesticks ready to be lit for that romantic dinner. The trick with round dining centerpieces is to keep items in groups of 3 to provide symmetry. And sometimes it’s a good idea to ground your items using a circular shaped tray. We’ve taken the guess work out for you and found some stylish options for centerpieces that can easily be ordered with the click of a button.
In 2021, why not freshen up your dining space with a round table? You may just realize those family dinners might have a little more conversation attached to them. If you are uncertain about the size or style for your room, we would be happy to assist you. Just go online and book a redesign consultation and let us shine a spotlight on your dining room!
*Disclaimer: This page contains RewardStyle affiliate links which means Staged by Design® may earn commission if you use links provided
The Advantages of using Luxury Stagers for Model Homes
Have you ever wondered what is the difference between a model home and staged home? Aside from cost and turnaround time, there’s really very little difference. The goal is the same for both - to promote the home in such a way the buyer can visualize living there and fall in love with the space. However, the process in which the end result is achieved is different between the two. We want to give builders the insight on the advantages of using luxury home stagers for their next model home.
Builders can pay up to $100,000 for a one-of-a-kind look for their model homes. Everything in the home is custom curated and designed for the home’s aesthetics, from the window treatments down to the soaps in the bathrooms . In the end, the builder either has to sell the home completely furnished or try to liquidate the furnishings. We as luxury home stagers have the ability to create that same customized look at a fraction of the cost.
Partnering with a luxury home staging company to market your next spec or model home allows you to utilize the furnishings on a rental basis, vs. purchasing. This will cost you far less than the upfront costs of a design company, AND you would not need to liquidate the furnishings once the home sold, recouping only pennies on the dollar. We offer customized options based upon your desired rental term, or even month to month.
Even though you will be in a rental contract you can be assured you will STILL receive a customized look appropriate for your demographic and price point. As a luxury home stager we know the design trends that sell homes. With enough lead time, we can provide new inventory that will fit the style of the home and provide you with the look you are wanting to achieve, although for us it would be a matter of a few weeks. Quality, attention to detail and the volume of furniture provided, differentiates us as luxury home stagers.
Staging packages are customized to meet your needs, and flexible timing regarding installations are offered. The staging itself takes place in only one day, allowing you to market the property or community sooner.
Partnering with luxury home stagers versus interior design/model home specialist companies provides economical choices with faster turnaround time. The end goal is mutual - selling the home and/or community. Feel free to browse through our portfolio to see previous projects. If you are a builder, we would love to partner with you for your next model home. Contact us today and 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!
2021 Color of the Year Room Designs
What a year 2020 has been! It will forever be in the history books as that unprecedented year in which a coronavirus pandemic, Presidential election, unusually active hurricane season and so many more strange happenings have taken place. Paint companies and color experts know all these occurrences play an important role in design. Every year a different shade of color is forecasted that predicts the year ahead in design. The color is then incorporated into many facets of life such as fashion, lifestyle, technology, pop culture, architecture to name a few. We decided to give you our take on these color choices with a shoppable design board for each. And even better news – you purchase the items in our designs by using the link provided!
*Disclaimer: This page contains affiliate links which means Staged by Design® may earn commission if you use links provided. Please note items may not currently be in stock through vendors associated in this blog.
Benjamin Moore - Aegean Teal
Aegean Teal 2136-40
Benjamin Moore selected a soft, soothing blue-green for its 2021 color of the year. Aegean Teal 2136-40 creates natural harmony with its balanced and soothing hue. This warmth of this shade signifies ones wellbeing. It makes your home feel even more like home.
We took this paint color and its coordinating 2021 color palette to new heights with this transitional style dining space. We added texture through the sideboard and chairs while giving a sense of sophistication with the light fixture.
Sherwin Williams - Urbane Bronze
Sherwin Williams chose Urbane Bronze for their 2021 color of the year. This color signifies the warmth and simplicity of nature. This year more than ever we are feeling the need to bring that tranquility inside our homes. Urbane Bronze provides the perfect backdrop for warmth with its deep rooted hue but also works to tone down a space through accent features such as trim and doors.
We created a warm and cozy family room using elements of Urbane Bronze. This family room brings a feeling of relaxation and serenity through its warm roots. The leather chairs and the unique dark wood coffee table ground the room with organic appeal.
Pantone Illuminating & Ultimate Gray
Just recently Pantone released its 2021 color of the year. This year they chose two colors to represent the new year - lluminating and Ultimate Gray. These two independent colors come together to provide an optimistic outlook. Such a wonderful representation of what this past year has forced us to do - to work together to prevent the spread of Covid-19 and help those in need due to the pandemic while providing a sense of hope for things to come!
We chose to represent Pantone’s colors with a vibrant contemporary home office space. This space explodes with energy from the touches of Illuminating in the fun desk chair while the warmth from Ultimate Gray calms the space. It’s a happy space to excite you and give you an optimistic work day from home.
We hope 2021 will bring a sense of tranquility to all your homes no matter what color palette you bring into your space. If you want to update your space but need direction, we would be happy to assist you. Book your redesign consultation online and our staff will create the tranquil look you are looking for in 2021.
Let us shine a spotlight on your home!
Holiday Gift Guide 2020
The countdown to Christmas in on. Are you ready? Do you have all your gifts purchased? We love to shop local if we can BUT with family in other states, sometimes local just isn’t easy if you are a procrastinator like myself. That’s when Amazon comes in super handy. Santa’s elves here at Staged by Design® have created an Amazon gift guide to help you give some great gifts on a tight timeframe.
Jamie Oliver Cutting Board
This cutting board is so versatile. If you read our blog post about Staging Food, you will be able to use this board to present the most amazing snacks/meals when entertaining or simply just family dinner. It is a manageable size for your charcuterie boards or just cutting up those vegetables for a warm winter soup.
WeatherTech Car Coasters
What is the hardest part of your car interior to clean and keep clean? That would be the cup holders for me. These WeatherTech car coasters solves the problem. They fit most manufacturer’s cup holders and can easily be removed for cleaning. Whether is a male, female or new teen driver on your list, this is practical and sure to please.
Made for Living by Amber Lewis
One of the best design books of 2020. Amber’s designs are beautiful yet, literally, made for living. Her book gives you tips and tricks and breaks down her design thought process so that you can become inspired to create the look that feels distinctly yours.
Bluetooth Microphone
Got someone on your list who loves to belt out some good 80s tunes? This bluetooth karaoke microphone would make the best gift. How fun to have this for a family fun night or just to sing Christmas cheer loud enough for all to hear?! I can’t tell you how many songs our staff member, Wendy, could sing with this little gem.
Nest Candles
These candles smell amazing. Enough said. Everyone loves a good candle and Nest provides a warming holiday scent to fill your “nest” with the smells of Christmas.
Leather Wristlet
Such a great versatile bag for every lady on your list. This purse is made of crazy horse leather and comes in a variety of colors. It can be worn as a small crossbody, carried as a wristlet or as a clutch. This is handy to keep in any work bag for that quick trip in the grocery store on your way home.
Fleece Lined Gloves
With the onset of winter, a great gift is always the gift of warmth. These gloves are perfect for those cold mornings scraping the frost off your car windshield and driving to work. They have a warm fleece lining inside to keep your fingers nice and toasty. Plus they feature fingertips that will allow you to still use those smartphones and tablets. Who wouldn’t appreciate?!
Black Rifle Coffee
This coffee company has recently risen to the occasion of providing a great specialty cup of coffee. This American based company is owned and operated by Veterans and support Veterans, first responders and law enforcement officers. With every purchase they give back. They even have a coffee subscription on their company website so you can enjoy it all year long without thinking about replenishing your stash.
Echo Show 8
Alexa - show me a great gift idea. Amazon’s Echo Show 8 is a great for the techy person on your list or even the not-so-techy. The Echo Show helps you manage your day in one place. It allows you to video message, control your smart home features such as ring doorbells and smart thermostats, entertain you with music and tv and give you information such as the weather forecast for the day. It’s an all in one command center.
Throw Blanket
This incredibly soft microfiber throw blanket is perfect for snuggling up on the couch with a fire and your favorite movie. If you have someone on your list who is hard to buy for, this blanket is the perfect solution. Comes in a variety of colors but we love the neutral taupe. :)
Letter Cork Holder
Do you have a wine enthusiast on your list? Did someone you know get that amazing Costco wine advent box this year? This fun decorative cork holder makes a unique gift for that individual. Made of durable metal and can be hung on the wall near that butlers pantry or bar setup.
We hope our suggestions help you fulfill all those last minute gifts on your list. All of us here at Staged by Design® wish you a very happy holiday season. We wish you JOY, peace and hope this new year.
*Disclaimer: This page contains Amazon affiliate links which means Staged by Design® may earn commission if you use links provided
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!
Behind the Scenes: Farmhouse Project
When many think of the Washington DC area, rural areas do not come to mind. Surprisingly, country life is closer than you think. Just thirty minutes from the heart of DC lies many rural farms, most of which are rich with history. Recently, we had the privilege of staging a partially furnished home that happened to be a beautiful old farmhouse. The current homeowners had reached out to us to help them get the property ready for sale. These homeowners had lived here for 20 years and spent many of those years, refurbishing the history of the home and its outbuildings. She herself had renovated and sold many properties over the years, but found it impossible to make the decisions about everything from lighting to furnishings when it came to her OWN home. We were more than happy to help! This collaborative effort between our team and the owner proved to be one of the most interesting and fun projects to date. You can see all the pictures from our staging of the property on our portfolio page!
One of the key elements to this staging that made it unlike any other, was maintaining the integrity of the house with the furnishings. You can’t simply put modern traditional furniture and decor in a house of this nature. The space needed current elements to appeal to today’s buyers but still remain true to it’s past. We did this by using some of the owner’s fantastic antique pieces and blending them with carefully selected pieces of our inventory.
Living Room
Dining Room
Bedroom
We were also very careful in our selection of decorative accents. We used things you probably wouldn’t find in your typical Northern VA homes. All of our accents had to fit the style of this house. Details do truly matter. Notice below how we used vintage suitcases for a special touch in the hallway and old book sand metal keys as coffee table decor.
This property was beautiful and unique! We knew it would sell fast. We are happy to report it went under contract a little over a week after it hit the market with multiple competing offers. We love to see results like this for clients who have put in the hard work to make the necessary updates and changes to market their home to stand out among their competition. We would love to help you shine a light on your home too. Go online now to book your home staging consultation with us and get results!
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
Sugar, Salt and Home Staging
“Don’t trust everything you see, even salt looks like sugar.”
Remember when you were a kid and you would pull a prank on a friend by filling the sugar container with salt, or vice versa? Upon first look, the poor friend couldn’t tell the difference. It was once he poured it on something and took a bite to realize it wasn’t what he thought.
Virtual staging is a lot like salt. It looks like sugar and is so enticing but once a buyer goes into the home it turns into salt. It’s simply not as inviting as the pictures online promised. (Feel free to take a look at one of our previous posts, Can’t Beat the Real Thing Baby, to read more of our thoughts between virtual and professional home staging).
Recently, we had the opportunity to stage a home that was previously listed on the market using virtual staging. This home showed well online virtually staged (though not to scale) but buyers were disappointed once they walked in the door to this country home. They were anticipating sugar but got a spoonful of salt instead.
This home had been on the market for over 6 months vacant. Then they paid to have it virtually staged. It still did not result in a contract. They reached out to us and we staged the entire main floor plus basement. The home then sold in less than a month. Proof is in the pudding folks – professional home staging allows the buyer to FEEL like they could live in a space once they walk in the door.
For example, take a look at the comparison between the virtual and professional staging of the living room:
The virtual living room was not staged to scale. The plant in the niche by the stairs touches the chandelier. The ceiling height is also depicted as very low due to the placement of the sofa and art. Our professional staging photo (though at a slightly different angle) shows the ceiling being much higher due to the vertical art above the sofa. It also shows the space is larger by allowing a sofa and two end tables. The niche is also more to scale showcasing the beautiful chandelier with a small ottoman placed in that nook.
The bedroom that was virtually staged looked great online. But once you entered the room you probably would not feel like you were in the same space. It seems much larger online due to the virtual placement of furniture. The render makes the window behind the bed seem centered on the wall. In reality the window is not centered. In addition, roman shades were added as part of the virtual staging. Window treatments typically convey with the home, but these don’t even exist. Talk about bait and switch! We actually staged this bedroom with a different layout since the windows were not centered on the walls. We felt this opened up the space more in the room. If we would have placed the bed in the same spot as the virtual render, there would be no room for an end table beside it.
The basement virtual stage was a bit more realistic, however, the main flaw was the scale of the room. The virtual furniture created a much smaller space than in reality. Take a look at the comparison below and see how much space the sectional and ottoman take up compared to our sofa and large coffee table. This basement probably did not wow the buyer once they walked in and saw it empty and cold. Furniture breathes life in the basement!
This home is just one example of many out there who choose to virtual stage. Yes, it’s less expensive. Yes, it’s quicker. BUT salt does not make the chocolate chip cookie amazing – it’s the sugar.
Next time, skip the virtual staging and spend less time on the market by choosing professional home staging prior to listing. Give us a call or book online for a home staging consultation and learn how we can make your house into a home that will sell. Let us shine the spotlight on your listing.
10 Grandmillennial Amazon Finds That Don't Scream Grandma
Grandmillenial. Granny–chic. Whatever you call it, it’s a whole new style emerging on the scene. One that may take you back to your childhood if you are a child of the 80’s. But ironically it’s the millennial crowd jumping on board to Grandma’s style of cozy comfort.
On a recent trip to Grandma’s house, I was taken back to my childhood when I noticed many things had not changed or been updated. One look at my grandmother’s china, proudly displayed in the china cabinet, caused me to reflect on the current design trends sweeping our country. Like it or not – it’s the latest and greatest décor trend you will see in every decorating magazine and trending Instagram accounts.
Do you remember the Laura Ashley floral comforters or the Jessica McClintock dresses? Yep, had one of each. Or maybe you can recall the infamous wicker peacock chairs? Just pull out a school dance or graduation picture from the 80’s and you’ll probably see it. And let’s also not forget the ginger jars or other chinoiserie piece that you probably broke as a kid at some point. All of these make up the components in this latest craze of granny chic.
Being in the staging business we can’t really fall head over heels into one style, but we can incorporate pieces from different styles. This style is VERY taste specific so you won’t see it in a lot of home staging projects but there’s always room to mingle accessories into transitional styles.
And like most of you, maybe you don’t want to commit to this style, but it might be fun to use subtle pieces around the house to remind you of where you came from. We went to Amazon to find some great pieces to incorporate in any style you may have in your home. Each gives just a nod to this decor trend but none of them scream grandma.
Which ones give you fond memories?
Wood Bead Chandelier
2. Chinoiserie Spheres3. Cheeky Cross Stitch Pillow
4. Gold Leaf Mirror
5. Ruffled Pillow Shams
6. Rattan Chair
7. Floral Duvet Cover
8. Floral Wall Art
9a. Banana Leaf Hamper Basket
9b. Banana Leaf Storage Basket
10. Chinoiserie Table Lamp
Whether “granny chic” is your style or not, we can help with your personal style in any redesign project. Book online today and let us 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
Best Curb Appeal Ideas for Any Budget
First impressions never get a second chance! According to the National Association of Realtors (NAR), 93% of home buyers use online websites to search for their ideal new home. This means photography play a huge role in whether or not a buyer likes the home. And what is the first photo in a listing? Generally, it’s the exterior of the home. We have created a list of the best curb appeal ideas for any budget to ensure your home is picture perfect and generates a profitable first impression!
CLEAN, CLEAN, CLEAN
One of the first steps to a great first impression is cleaning the outside of the house. This can be done very simply with a good pressure wash. If you don’t own a pressure washer, you can easily rent one or hire a professional. Not only does the siding need to be cleaned all the way around the home but also the front porch area, deck and any walkways around the home. And don’t forget to clean those windows. And while you are at it, remove those screens altogether!
PLANT SOME COLOR
Plant some nice colorful flowers in your flower beds, front porch containers and/or window boxes. If it isn’t springtime, there are some great options that can last through tougher conditions like pansies and fresh greenery. To show off those new beautiful flowers and to present a clean landscape, we would also suggest a nice new layer of mulch in your beds around the front of the home.
PAINT
As we have mentioned before, paint is money in a can! Consider sprucing up the front of the home by painting your front door, trim and/or shutters. This presents a clean finished look to the house and tells the buyer you take pride in the appearance of our home.
SHOW OFF YOUR ADDRESS
Make sure your house numbers are clearly visible and easy to read. This may seem silly but when a buyer is looking for your home you don’t want them to accidentally pass you buy because they simply can’t see your house numbers. If your numbers are in good condition, consider cleaning and/or giving them a spray paint to make them stand out. Otherwise, consider purchasing a new set of numbers to install.
LIGHT IT UP
If your porch lighting is outdated or rusted, replace it. Below are some very affordable options on Amazon. Before purchasing anything, make sure to pay attention to the size and shape of the base plate of your existing light fixture and buy accordingly. Another source of light that should be addressed are any lamp posts that may be in your front yard. Make sure the glass is clean, the bulb is bright and the paint is refreshed. Before addressing these lighting concerns, check with your HOA to make sure they do not have any stipulations as to what kind of light can be used on the exterior of the home or if they can repair lamp post if needed.
MAKE IT WELCOMING
Adding a new doormat is an easy way to make your home inviting. Buyers spend quite a few minutes standing on the front porch waiting for the realtor to get the lockbox to open for the key. For these few minutes the only thing the buyer has to do is study your front door. Seeing a clean entry with a clean welcoming door mat is appealing to any buyer. You may also want to consider another rug just inside the home for buyers to step onto when entering the home and a place to take off their shoes.
ADDRESS YOUR MAILBOX
If your mailbox has seen better days, consider giving it a fresh coat of paint. If it’s beyond the paint cover-up, just replace it with a new one. Once again, you will need to check with your HOA if there are restrictions to what kind of mailbox can be used.
These quick updates can do wonders for your curb appeal. The goal is to draw buyers inside your home. Showing them you care enough about the outside tells them you care enough about the inside too. Remember, first impressions never get a second chance. Take that first step and book a home consultation online with us - we would love to shine the spotlight on your home and get it market ready!
*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