The Power of Amateur Interior Design: How My Staging Skills Led to Over $500K in Sales

Jul 11, 2024 | HOME + INTERIORS

When I first embarked on my journey into interior design, I never imagined it would become such a rewarding and profitable endeavor. What began as a passionate hobby evolved into a transformative skill that significantly increased the value of the properties I worked on. Over the span of three years, my amateur staging skills generated over $500,000 in sales value, a testament to the impact thoughtful design can have on real estate.

The Beginning: Passion Meets Opportunity

My interest in interior design started with a simple love for beautiful, functional spaces. Armed with creativity, a keen eye for detail, and an innate understanding of aesthetics, I began experimenting with staging my own home and those of friends. The results were immediate and encouraging—spaces felt more inviting, cohesive, and appealing.

The First Breakthrough: Transforming Spaces, Capturing Hearts

My first significant project came when a friend asked for help staging their home for sale. With a modest budget, I repurposed existing furniture, incorporated strategic decor elements, and focused on maximizing natural light. The transformation was astounding, and the home sold for a price significantly above the asking value.

This success was not a fluke. I realized that potential buyers could envision living in a well-staged home more easily. By highlighting the best features of a property and creating an inviting atmosphere, I was able to create emotional connections that drove interest and, ultimately, higher offers.

Developing a Method: Key Principles of Effective Staging

As I took on more projects, I refined my approach to staging. Some key principles emerged that consistently contributed to increased sales value:

1. Decluttering and Depersonalizing: Removing personal items and excess clutter allowed buyers to imagine their own lives in the space.
2. Neutral Color Palettes: Using neutral tones created a blank canvas that appealed to a broader audience.
3. Strategic Furniture Placement: Arranging furniture to maximize flow and functionality made spaces feel larger and more usable.
4. Highlighting Unique Features: Drawing attention to a property’s standout features, such as fireplaces, large windows, or architectural details, added perceived value.
5. Quality Lighting: Good lighting made spaces feel warm and welcoming, enhancing the overall appeal.

The Financial Impact: Over $500K in Added Value

The culmination of these efforts was a remarkable financial achievement. Over three years, the properties I staged collectively garnered over $500,000 in additional sales value. This success was not limited to high-end homes; even modest properties saw significant gains when staged thoughtfully.

Real-Life Examples: Success Stories

One memorable project involved a charming but dated cottage. By modernizing the decor, emphasizing its cozy charm, and creating inviting outdoor spaces, the property attracted multiple offers and sold for $75,000 above the initial estimate.

Another notable success was a spacious suburban home that had lingered on the market for months. After a comprehensive staging overhaul, including updating furnishings, enhancing curb appeal, and creating a welcoming entryway, the home sold within weeks for $120,000 over the original asking price.

Reflection: The Art and Joy of Staging

Looking back, the journey from amateur designer to achieving over half a million dollars in added sales value has been incredibly fulfilling. It’s not just about the financial gains; it’s about the joy of transforming spaces, the satisfaction of helping sellers achieve their goals, and the thrill of knowing that my passion for design has made a tangible impact.

For anyone considering dabbling in interior design or staging, I can confidently say that it’s a journey worth taking. With creativity, a willingness to learn, and an understanding of what makes spaces feel like home, you too can unlock the hidden potential in properties and enjoy the rewards that come with it.

Flower Arranging 101

Jul 4, 2024 | HOME + INTERIORS

Blooming Marvelous: How to Turn Your Cut Flowers into Floral Masterpieces

Creating flower arrangements with fresh cut flowers is both an art and a science. It’s a joyful, meditative activity that can transform any space with color, texture, and fragrance. Whether you’re a budding florist or just looking to spruce up your home, here’s a step-by-step guide to help you craft stunning flower arrangements that will have everyone saying, “Who did your flowers?”.

Step 1: Gather Your Supplies

Before you start snipping away, make sure you have all the essentials:

• Freshly cut flowers (a mix of focal, filler, and greenery works best)
• A clean vase or container
• Floral shears or sharp scissors
• Flower food (usually provided with store-bought flowers)
• A small knife for trimming stems
• Optional: floral tape or foam for structure

Step 2: Select Your Flowers

Choosing the right flowers is crucial. Here’s a quick rundown of what you might want:

• Focal Flowers: These are your stars. Think roses, lilies, or peonies.
• Filler Flowers: These are the supporting cast that add volume and texture, like baby’s breath, statice, or wax flowers.
• Greenery: Eucalyptus, ferns, and ivy add depth and contrast.

Step 3: Prep Your Stems

Before arranging, it’s essential to prep your flowers to ensure they stay fresh longer:

1. Trim the Stems: Cut each stem at a 45-degree angle under running water. This prevents air bubbles from forming and helps the flowers absorb water more efficiently.
2. Remove Lower Leaves: Strip off any leaves that would be submerged in water to prevent bacterial growth.
3. Add Flower Food: Dissolve the flower food in lukewarm water according to the packet instructions and fill your vase.

Step 4: Start Arranging

Now comes the fun part—arranging your flowers!

1. Create a Base: Start with greenery to create a base structure. This provides a foundation and helps hold other flowers in place.
2. Add Focal Flowers: Place your largest, most eye-catching blooms next. Space them evenly for a balanced look.
3. Incorporate Filler Flowers: Add your filler flowers to fill in gaps and add texture. Think of these as the background singers to your star flowers.
4. Balance and Adjust: Step back occasionally to assess your arrangement from all angles. Adjust as needed to ensure it’s balanced and visually appealing.

Step 5: Maintain Your Masterpiece

To keep your arrangement looking fresh:

• Change the water every couple of days.
• Re-trim the stems every few days.
• Keep the arrangement out of direct sunlight and away from heat sources.

Tips and Tricks

• Play with Heights: Vary the stem lengths to create visual interest and depth.
• Think Seasonally: Use flowers that are in season for the best quality and price.
• Get Creative with Containers: Don’t limit yourself to traditional vases. Mason jars, teapots, and even watering cans can make unique and charming containers.

Conclusion

With a little practice and creativity, you can create flower arrangements that rival professional designs. Not only will you have a beautiful decoration, but you’ll also enjoy the therapeutic benefits of working with flowers. So grab your shears, unleash your inner florist, and get ready to bloom marvellous!

Happy arranging!