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:

Just a glimpse of what our 2020 year looked like.

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.

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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.

SHOP THE LOOK HERE

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.

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Sherwin Williams - Urbane Bronze

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.

SHOP THE LOOK HERE

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!

SHOP THE LOOK HERE

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!

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. 

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.

Top left, Top right, Bottom left, Bottom right

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

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

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

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.

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

Click here to view the entire project

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!

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.

Meet the Fab Five

When you love what you do, a "job" doesn't feel like work. We like to work hard, and play hard. If you happen to catch us behind the scenes, you might see us sweaty, and working at a feverish pace, while doubled over in laughter at a silly comment or observation.  

At Staged by Design®, our success is a true team effort. Here's an inside look into the people who make up our team. 

From L to R: Kim, Tracy, Leigh, Wendy, Lauren

Meet Kim:

Fav 90s jam: Faith Hill, Dixie Chicks (yes I grew up in the South!), Bon Jovi

Favorite podcast?: The Big Boo Cast - funny ladies just talking about random stuff.

What crayon color best defines you?: Cerulean – bright personality that mixes/works well with its neighboring colors.

Strangest Talent you have: I have an uncanny memory. I can recall birth dates from people I knew years ago even in elementary school.

Favorite Family traditions: Christmas Day we all stay in our PJs all day long

What trend do you hope makes a comeback? Snail Mail - who doesn't like a handwritten letter?!?

Favorite decor item: pillows - they are an easy, cheap update to freshen up a room

What's the coolest thing about your job?: Seeing the transformation of an empty blah room to a beautiful room I want to live in.

Meet Tracy:

Fav 90s jam: I love some Celine Dion

Fav podcast: Fearless Soul on YouTube

What crayon color best defines you? : PINK - it's my color!

Strangest talent you have?: Outstanding rhythm and finger dexterity. I was actually tested for this.

Favorite Family traditions: Summer Beach vacations

What trend do you hope makes a comeback?: Go-go boots

Favorite decor item: Flowers

Other fun facts: I was a professional theatre dancer and met Michael Jackson

What's the coolest thing about your job?: Seeing fun houses, learning about other people's lives, wearing leggings and listening to 80s music!

Meet Leigh (our fearless leader) :

Fav 90s jam: Poison by Bel Biv Devoe

Fav podcast: The Moth and Snap Judgement

What crayon color best defines you? : Sea Green-a little blue, a little green, and mixes well with many other colors.

Strangest talent you have?: Finding four-leaf clovers. I just look down, and they are there.

Favorite Family traditions: One year, my husband place a Croc shoe at the top of the Christmas Tree instead of the Star to see if I would notice. Now, no holiday is complete without a San Diego Chargers blue plastic Croc at the top of our tree. We also create scavenger hunts for the kids to find their birthday presents. Still.

What trend do you hope makes a comeback?: Scandinavian style, light wood floors

Favorite decor item: It's a toss up between flowers and books

Other fun facts: I rode horses and showed for many years

What's the coolest thing about your job?: I LOVE the transformation at the end of the project, where it all comes together and the comraderie we continue to build by working collaboratively.

Meet Wendy:

Fav 90s jam: Guilty Pleasure jam: Genie in a Bottle, Christina Aguilera  Serious Jam:  Wallflowers One Headlight

Fav podcast: Dan Carlin Hardcore History

What crayon color best defines you? Eggplant. It can be neutral but still have personality

Strangest talent you have: Memorizing song lyrics

Favorite family tradition: Whenever we are driving on a road trip, everyone sticks one foot out the window, including the driver.

What trend do you hope makes a comeback?: Gunne Sax Dresses by Jessica McClintock

Favorite Decor item: Furniture

What's the coolest thing about your job?: My co-workers

Meet Lauren:

Fav 90s jam: Oasis "Wonderwall" or Dave Matthews

Favorite podcast?: Serial

What crayon color best defines you?: Turquoise

Strangest talent? Decorating like speedy gonzales (and GOOD at it)

Favorite Family traditions: I have two. First we make a point to see the Rockefeller Christmas tree every year. Second one is eating dinner as a family every night we can.

What trend do you hope makes a comeback? Black and White Furniture

Favorite decor item: Rugs or a good mirror

What's the coolest thing about your job?: The opportunity to be creative

To read a little more serious stuff about our wonderful staff, please visit our web page HERE. Then, contact us for your next staging or redesign needs!