Well styled homes flood our social media feeds daily, but the idea of having your own home look as polished can often feel unattainable. However, achieving that refined and sophisticated look may not be as impossible as it may seem if we look at the basic principles applied to properties that are staged for sale. The best home stagers take current design trends into account, but the end goal is to make spaces feel welcoming, comfortable and ideally, spacious. While trends and decorating principles set the stage, infusing your personal style is what truly makes your home unique.
Robyn Phipps, Arvada local, real estate broker, and owner of Tower Staging & Design, offers this: “One of the main goals with staging a property is to make buyers truly want to linger and stay a while. It doesn’t even come down to a set design style, it’s more about showcasing the space and ensuring a potential buyer feels at ease. If you incorporate the same idea into design in your own home, it can make the process seem much less daunting.”
Where do you start in creating a new look?
The foundation is understanding current interior design trends, which shape the way our homes look and feel. Nature-inspired elements have recently taken center stage: Houseplants, natural materials, and eco-friendly furniture. These elements look great and also create a sense of calm and connection with the outdoors. Minimalism, characterized by simplicity and functionality, is a timeless theme. No one likes a cluttered space, not to mention the effect it can have on your mental health! Embrace clean lines, organized spaces, and purposeful furniture choices. It's not just stylistic choices that bring a sense of order and calm to your home.
What are the core elements to consider?
The art of decorating goes beyond arranging furniture and picking color palettes. Decluttering is a fundamental first step. Get rid of unnecessary items. Organize belongings. Create a clean slate for your decor to shine. Stylish storage solutions help you stay organized and enhance the look of the room. In arranging furniture, think about creating balance with focal points in the room. Invest in those few statement furniture pieces that can become focal points; unique pieces with interesting designs, distinctive shapes or adding an antique piece amongst more modern decor. Don't forget about lighting––an often underestimated aspect. Mixing ambient, task, and accent lighting creates layers. Don’t become reliant on overhead lighting. Consider dimmer switches. The most comfortable spaces can be appropriately lit at any hour of the day with softer and warmer tones.
How does one create a “style?”
Style covers everything from color palettes to textures, all creating a cohesive look. Neutral color palettes provide a versatile base for a sophisticated style and a subdued backdrop. This allows you to easily switch up accessories and adapt to changing tastes. Many homeowners incorporate color and texture into their designs to add their personal touch.
What are some tips for using color?
Rather than pull statement colors with large furniture or swaths of wall, consider using elements that can be changed around for the seasons or moved to different locations throughout the home to create a fresh look. If you love to accent with blue, use pillows, artwork and decor items. A blue accent chair creates much more impact than a blue sofa and gives flexibility to change things up.
What makes a successful project?
It's about finding a balance between elegance and functionality, comfort and style, and paying attention to details while still embracing your unique personality. Most importantly, adding personalized touches is what sets your home apart from a generic display. Incorporate simple, tasteful collections; family photos or heirlooms. These elements add character and warmth. Remember that you’re not just replicating a staged space–you're creating a space that you are happy to both come home to and host in.
"Infusing your personal style is what truly makes your home unique."