10 Ways to Beat the Winter Doldrums in 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!
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
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!
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
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
Zoom Room Makeover
Zoom meetings have replaced the usual company/client meetings these days thanks to COVID-19. And society as we know it may just continue using this wonderful new way to communicate. However, if you are like me, do you find yourself inspecting your meeting attendee's room backdrops? Asking myself are they real or a green screen type backdrop? Deciding what they should do in order to freshen up their room. All those designer thoughts. Well, maybe now is the time to think about that zoom room makeover to give you a polished look in your meetings. We all know first impressions mean a lot! Zoom meetings are going to stick around well past COVID-19 so we might as well freshen up our work space in order to give that good first impression.
If you read our last post (and if not click here), you know we gave you some fun new office accessories to brighten up your office space. This time we went a little further and created a whole room for your zoom backdrop! The beauty of this zoom room makeover we have curated is it's all click and ship with Amazon! So in 2-5 days you could have a total makeover and woo your co-workers or clients with your hip new office space. AND have absolute social distancing while purchasing.
Paint color selected for this room was Benjamin Moore Gray Owl with an accent color of Sherwin Williams Iron Ore.
This zoom backdrop gives you a polished, subtle look so people can focus on you and your ideas and not your space. If you would like a more tailored look for your zoom space, give us a call at 703-552-4545 or book a virtual interior redesign consult online. We would love to shine a spotlight on your home office!
*Disclaimer: This page contains Amazon affiliate links which means Staged by Design® may earn commission if you use links provided
Home Office Mini-Makeovers
Since the COVID-19 quarantine began, most of us have been in our home office more so than ever before. And most of us could use a little pick-me-up to freshen up the space. We've created some home office mini-makeovers for you to 'treat yo'self' and bring a little sunshine to your quarantined work space.
No matter your style, there's so many fun, whimsical office products out there to incorporate in your space. Here's a couple styles we have curated for your online shopping retail therapy.
This modern style is all the rage. Mixing matte black with brushed gold and/or copper is so on trend.
Joanna Gaines would be super happy with our picks for a farmhouse style home office. We hope you are too.
We are confident these fun mini-makeovers can freshen up that home office space and spark your creativity while you work from home. If you want a more tailored design, feel free to give us a call at 703-552-4545 or book online for a virtual redesign consultation. We would be delighted to shine a spotlight on your home office!
*Disclaimer: This page contains Amazon affiliate links which means Staged by Design® may earn commission if you use links provided
70's Blast From the Past - The Brady's and Design
How many of you have been watching the HGTV seriesA Very Brady Renovation? With over 8.1 million viewers of the first episode, I would assume a lot of you! We all love a good reunion show and this one is a blast from the past and lures the attention of stagers and designers alike. For those of you who haven’t heard of this new offering from HGTV, the original cast of from The Brady Bunch reunited in honor of the 50th anniversary of their 70’s sitcom. The Brady kids, along with HGTV personalities, are renovating the interior of the house used for the iconic exterior shots of TV house. For those of you who may not know, the interior of the home was a studio set. The show focuses on the renovations that turn a ranch-style home into the identical two story interior of the set-no small feat, even for HGTV.
The excitement of this show got us thinking about the evolution of design. How much of the 70's is coming back to design today? We see a lot of design trends from the 70's design (now called mid-century) in 2019 in a much more modern, sophisticated way. Here are a few examples:
Color:
Shades of avocado green, orange, tans and browns along with some mustard yellow are popping into home decor. These are all warm palettes from 70's décor but they are showing up in a more sophisticated manner. And since we all painted our walls white recently due to the 2018 trend, these warm colors will coordinate nicely with our neutral backdrop.
Furniture:
Rattan and wicker are making a comeback in chairs and barstools thanks to the recent surge in the boho aesthetic that's gained popularity recently. You'll even see it on the walls. All of these create a natural look to any space.
Plants/Greenery:
Plants add a natural organic feel to a space. Even if you don’t have a green thumb, manufacturers have gotten so good at making fake plants look so real. Popular finds today from the 70's include Ferns with their featherlike stems, Sansevieria or Snake Plants (aka Mother-in-laws tongue) and palm fronds of all kinds.
Patterns and Textures:
Geometric patterns are showing up in a variety of ways fromlight fixtures, tile, artwork and wallpaper.
Accent walls have made a comeback but in a moresophisticated manner than just paint. Instead you will see use of bold patterned wallpaper or textures like moldingsor wood.
Texture is also showing up in velvet furnishings such ascouches, chairs and benches. The textureof a shaggy or wool pouf is also a great addition that nods toward 70s vibes.
Macramé has made a comeback adding texture into a room through plant hangers and wall art. It’s even being added to throw pillows and blankets. Crafting is cool again.
What are your thoughts on the 70's blast from the past with design today? We have to agree with Jan Brady when she once said “Isn’t it just absolutely lovely?”. The 70's vibe certainly has brought on some lovely design trends for 2019.
If you are looking to incorporate a 70's vibe to your own home, but don't know how to start, give us a call or fill out our online scheduling form We would be happy to help you add modern spin of 70's design through our redesign consultation
What's in Your Toolkit?
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/
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!