As a real estate agent and interior designer, Lisa Ryan Whyte knows firsthand how a carefully curated combination of furniture, artwork, and other decor can help transform a house into a home.
Recently Whyte, who is the lead agent at the Ryan-Whyte Real Estate Team in Chandler, was asked by a client to apply her design skills and knowledge to add artistic interior design touches to a home he recently purchased.
Her client, who is also a realtor, wanted to upgrade both the look and feel of his family home in the East Valley.
“I helped him with furnishings, accessories, artwork, and decor that helped take the home to the finish line,” Whyte says, adding that her client is a “savvy homeowner” who had a good idea of what he wanted in the remodeling finishes inside and just need help completing the furnishings and decor.
For instance, to fill the home’s large white walls and help make the spaces feel cozier, Whyte chose large-scale modern artwork.
Whyte also made staging changes to the shelves in the large kitchen to make them not only functional but also aesthetically pleasing.
“We chose furniture for the main room that would be comfortable for their growing family—they have toddler twin boys—while also creating a space that was elevated with decor and design,” Whyte says, adding that this included a large sofa with plenty of room for everyone.
In the home’s main bathroom, Whyte selected a beautiful bathtub that is not only the focal point of the space, but also is an ideal place to relax and unwind.
As a bonus, all of the needed bath items are now within reach, including wall hooks directly behind the tub that easily hold large towels.
The bathroom also features a dual vanity, and ample storage space under the sinks in cabinets that feature clean lines.
“In the primary bedroom we cozied up the room with neutral bedding with a lot of texture, and added a sitting corner that’s perfect for relaxing or reading in a comfortable chair,” Whyte says.
While her recent project was in a home that was off the market, Whyte says she constantly sees firsthand how eye-catching and attractive interior design can make homes that are for sale more appealing to potential buyers.
“Whether you’re staging it to sell or finishing off a custom remodel with new furnishings, it’s important to remember the impact that staging and design will have on a space,” she says. “Buyers can envision themselves in a home. Furnishings, decor, accessories, and art are the key elements to making a home feel like it’s your own special space.”
