Between the Layers | Design Guide Series
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Transform your Home: Tips for Staging and Furnishings

When it comes to staging, think of it as giving your home a facelift. There’s something deeply satisfying about watching a home transform with the help of simple cosmetic upgrades. As designers, our challenge with staging is figuring out how to make the biggest impact for the ideal buyer using only furnishings and décor, but without diving into major renovations. Sure, we might suggest a fresh coat of paint here or there, or other minor fixes (replacing outdated lighting fixtures is a big one), but our main goal is to create a visually appealing environment that attracts potential buyers.

I love the process of staging because it’s like playing dress-up with a house. Imagine turning a blank canvas into a work of art with just the right pieces! It’s all about highlighting the home’s best features and making it feel inviting. The trick is to strike a balance between making it look stylish, yet livable.

So, I wanted to share a few insider tips on how we stage our homes. If you’re getting ready to list your home, I hope you find these helpful! Let’s dive in and help your space look its best.

Our Approach to Staging Projects

In our staging projects, I take a personalized approach, bringing in a mixture of furniture, décor, artwork, and accents to showcase the home’s best features. It’s all about creating a space that potential buyers can see themselves living in, without making any major structural changes.

Lifestyle Vision Board

Just like our client work, we create a vision board for each staging project. This board helps us determine the feeling we want to evoke in each property. Is it a cozy family home or a sleek modern apartment? We turn to the vision board when we source, and procure items to fit that specific vibe. It keeps us focused and ensures that everything we bring in aligns with the desired atmosphere.

Imagining the Ideal Client’s Wants and Needs

We always keep the potential buyer in mind. For instance, if we’re staging a large family home, we might select a large sectional to showcase the living room’s ample space. It’s about anticipating what the ideal client might want or need, then styling the home to reflect that. This approach makes the space feel more relevant and appealing to specific buyers.

Style with Intention

Unlike most stagers, we put a lot of emphasis on styling so as to speak to the vision board we’ve created. We carefully select props and accessories that match the feeling and aesthetic we’re aiming for. Whether it’s adding cozy throws and pillows to create a welcoming living room or setting a stylish table to highlight the dining area, we style with intention to make the home look both beautiful and livable.

By focusing on these key elements, we create spaces that not only look amazing, but also connect with buyers on an emotional level, helping them envision their future in the home.

Edit and Supplement with the Right Pieces

When it comes to staging, bringing in the right pieces can make all the difference. If we were to stage your home, we’d carefully select and supplement with pieces that show off the home’s best features. By aligning our selections with the home’s aesthetic and lifestyle needs, we ensure that every element contributes to the overall appeal of the space.

We don’t just use a one-size-fits-all approach. When we stage a home, we order furniture and décor specific to each property and offer these pieces for purchase with the home sale. This ensures that the staging feels cohesive and tailored, enhancing the home’s unique charm. This approach not only makes the staging feel more intentional but also gives potential buyers an option to purchase pieces that are perfectly suited to the space.

If you’re getting your home ready for sale, it’s essential to edit out a lot of your existing décor. Think about your ideal client and tailor the space to their needs. For instance, if it’s a young family, incorporate comfy pieces conducive to both kids and adults lounging. If your ideal buyer is an older couple or empty nesters, imagine them entertaining or enjoying the home for themselves.

Each space needs to feel intentional so that when a buyer walks through the door, they are wowed and can visualize themselves living there — not you! Remove personal items, such as family photos, to create a more neutral and inviting atmosphere. The goal is for buyers to see the potential of the space and envision their own lives unfolding there.

By focusing on editing and supplementing with the right pieces, we create a beautifully staged home that appeals to a wide range of buyers and helps the property sell quickly.

Staging vs. Full-Service Furnishing

I want to switch gears for a moment, and point out a service that is similar to our staging projects but tailored for those who aren’t looking to sell their home. If the idea of cosmetic upgrades sounds like the design help you need, without the intention of listing your house, then our full-service furnishing might be just what you’re looking for.

Similarities and Differences

While staging and full-service furnishing share similarities, they cater to different needs and budgets. Staging is all about enhancing a home’s appeal for potential buyers. The goal is to make the biggest impact with furnishings and décor without major renovations. On the other hand, full-service furnishing offers a comprehensive design solution for homeowners who want to refresh their space without a full remodel.

Comprehensive Design Solutions

Whether it’s a complete overhaul or a few strategic updates, we work closely with clients to create a plan that meets their goals and budget. Our furnishing service is perfect for clients who don’t necessarily want to renovate but already have a streamlined foundation. We can complete their home aesthetic with intentional and elevated décor and styling essentials.

Tailored for Your Needs

Just like our staging projects, we take a personalized approach with our full-service furnishing. We bring in a mix of furniture, decor, artwork, and accents to showcase your home’s best features. Whether it’s creating a cozy living room with a perfect blend of comfort and style or transforming a bedroom into a serene retreat, our goal is to make your space look and feel exactly how you envision it.

By focusing on thoughtful furnishings and décor, we help you achieve a beautiful, functional home without the need for high-end custom designer lines. Our approach ensures that you get the look and feel you desire while staying within your budget. Whether you’re staging to sell or furnishing for personal enjoyment, we’re here to help you create a space that truly feels like home.

In case you missed it… Read up on why you should hire an interior designer to become more familiar with the type of service we provide to our clients. Follow along to stay up to date with all our latest tips and tricks for enhancing your home’s value while giving it that polished, and elevated look.

Get Started Today!

Ready to transform your space with thoughtful staging and design? Contact me to discuss your project needs and discover how we can help you elevate your home’s appeal to potential buyers. Together, we’ll create a tailored plan that showcases your property in the best possible light.

 

 

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Finally using our kitchen... and it feels so good 🥹

We don’t take this for granted for a second! Having a fully working kitchen again truly feels like such a gift. It’s always been the heart of our home, and after so many months without it, being back in this space feels extra special.

If you’ve been around here for a while, you know Derrick and I are major foodies.

And over the years, he’s become such an incredible cook... his recipes just keep getting better and better (lucky me ☺️).

There’s something about cooking at home, slowing down, and gathering around a meal that just feels like us again.

Would you guys want to see more of what we’re cooking, like we used to share?
5 stars. I wanted to make our guests feel comfortable and welcome and a hotel inspired bed seemed like the perfect idea.

All of this bedding is from @onequince , comment ‘BED’ and we’ll send you everything that’s linked on our LTK.

This look isn’t for the “anti-pillows” person - in fact it’s all about the layering for that plush, all-white and cozy hotel inspired look.

Here’s how to get this look in your home:
- Start with smooth, wrinkle-free sheets (a quick steam makes all the difference) I love the classic embroidered trim on these I used.
- Tuck your sheets tightly (especially the corners) for that tailored finish
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- And don’t skip the pillow layer technique (this is key!): I stacked four total for sleeping, two euro shams for structure, two decorative shams, and an oversized accent lumbar pillow (ours measures 18 x 42 in @LeeJofa fabric) to finish it off

Save for the next time you want a bed refresh!
Here’s how to bring everything you love together. Without the chaos!

Comment ‘LOVE’ and I’ll send you exactly how we define your base, choose your lead style, and mix in the rest so it actually works.

Most people think they have to choose one style... but that’s usually not the problem. The issue is trying to make everything feel equally important.

If you want your home to feel collected (not confusing), you need a clear lead... and then layer in the rest.
The difference between a home that looks good... and one that feels good?
It’s what your hands touch every day.

Plumbing fixtures.
Cabinet hardware.
Upholstery.

These aren’t always the most exciting decisions, but they’re the ones you interact with constantly. And trust me, you notice the difference. If you’re going to invest anywhere, start here.

Save this + pass it along to someone designing a space right now!