Top 5 Favorite Things: Kitchen Edition

We are often asked what our  favorite go-to staging and decor pieces are.  Well, here are just a few kitchen favorites from our Lead Designer that she says you can’t go without!  Whether you have a birthday wish list, some extra summer spending money, or it’s just time to hit the refresh button, add these beauties to your list.  

1.  Wooden Message Board Sign

Add some fun and personality to your home by changing up the messages on the board.  Customize the wording for each holiday, what’s for dinner, a quote, or reminders.  The possibilities are endless!

2.  Wood Tray

A wood tray is a great, decorative way to gather a few staple items.  Create a vignette by throwing on salt and pepper grinders, candles, a bowl of lemons, or a kitchen plant. Use the decorated tray as a great centerpiece or in the corner of your countertop.

3.  Cookbook Stand

This go-to, like many others, is stylish and functional, which is a win-win! Display your favorite cook book opened to a comforting family favorite or add a frame with an inspirational quote.

4.  Sink caddy

Who knew soap and scrubbers could look beautiful? It’s enough to make you excited about doing the dishes (maybe). Just remember, keep it neutral and fresh such as light wood bamboo scrubbers and glass decorative soap dispensers. Also, be sure to remove those sponges and kitchen towels for staging. To see more differences between staging and redesign click here

5.  Cake plate

A bright and inviting piece that's both decorative and functional.  Stack with different  fruit for a bold, colorful pop or better yet, load it up with fresh baked, warm chocolate chip cookies.  

Want to freshen up your space and get designer-worthy recommendations? Check this out:

3 Key Differences Between Staging and Design

Here at LD Design Co. our tagline is:  Staged to Sell, Designed to Dwell, and our team is happy to offer services that cover both ends of the spectrum: staging and design.  So how are they different?  While creativity and an eye for design are essential for both, there are 3 key differences.  

1. To personalize or not, that is the question

In staging we are always trying to de-personalize the space so that it appeals to the largest pool of potential buyers.  That means, removing sports memorabilia, religious symbols, collections, degrees and certificates and family photos. 

In design we want your homes to be personalized to you and your family’s story.   Hang your degrees proudly, showcase that rare porcelain cat collection, add your favorite scripture verse, and let your son decorate his room in his favorite sports teams colors.  

2. Conservative vs Liberal (please, no political jokes)

In staging we keep things conservative, on trend and neutral.  We try to keep all buyers interested, open minded and not overly emotional one way or the other.  

In design you can go bold, use crazy colors, have unique creative furnishings and add complex heavy patterns.  You might be the only person who loves neon paint, but it’s your home and you’re the only person that needs to love it.  

3.  Rule Follower or Breaker

In staging we follow rules, lots and lots and lots of rules.   

In design there’s great news for you - there are no rules! If you want a rug on a carpet, put a rug on a carpet. If you want painted ceilings, paint your ceilings. If you block off a walkway so your toddler can’t escape, great!  If you want your formal dining room to be a kids play-room, snap your fingers and make it a playroom. 

Remember- The way you live in your home and the way you stage your home are two different things!