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:

Top 4 Tips For Creating a Vignette

One of our go-to tricks in staging is creating beautiful vignettes, or groupings of items on a flat surface. Vignettes instantly add a designer-worthy style to your home and enhance functionality of your space. All you need are a few loose items, a tray or flat surface, and these 4 tips to get started:

1. Use functional items to the space

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In the kitchen, display various kitchen items like bowls, tea cups, or a cute pitcher together on the counter or on a cutting board. On the laundry room counter, add a jar of clothespins with a candle and plant. By adding a functional item, you are suggesting enjoyable and practical use of your space.

2. Vary height of items

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Be sure to follow the high-medium-low principal when grouping items together. Use books to elevate smaller items.

3. Add an organic touch

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Add a touch of greenery to give an airy and organic feel to the space. If you don’t have a free standing plant, add stems to a coffee cup, jar, or a functional item to the space.

3. Layer items to create dimension

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To create depth, place your objects from the back of the flat surface to the front rather than lined up in a straight line. This will add dimension to your vignette.

4. Use odd numbers

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Group items together in odd numbers. Groups of three or five have a stronger visual impact than a group of two or four.

Happy Staging!

Danielle, Lynley, and Rainie

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!  

The 4 Cs of Staging: Creativity

We continue on our journey through The 4 Cs of Staging this week by unpacking the most fun of all the Cs— creativity! If you have missed the first part of our series, check out the foundational steps of the Cs here.

CREATIVITY

Now that you are successfully clutter-free and clear, it is time to add some purposeful decor back in with creativity. Staging is not just about decorating, but it is a very important aspect of staging effectively. Through decorating, your home comes to life and has personality, but it can be hard to know where to start, so remember the basics:

1. Utilize High/Medium/Low

When entering a room, the buyer’s eye should bounce between high, medium, and low levels. This allows the room to feel larger and gives the space movement. Ideally, art can be high (not too high, all art should hang relatively at eye level), furniture can be medium, and rugs or floor plant can be low.

2. Create a Neutral Palate with Pops of Color

Start with a neutral paint color for walls (beiges, cozy whites, subtle grays) and add a consistent pop of color in your textiles, art, and accessories. Pops of color should be calming colors and not too bright or loud.

3. Bring the Outside Indoors

Every home should have an airy, organic feel, which can be accomplished by adding greenery. Either utilize real plants or choose faux greenery that looks real in order to liven up your space. Some of our best go to faux stems include eucalyptus, lamb’s ear, and boxwood.

4. Vary Textures

Add texture in your furnishings and accents. Many times, we think about adding interest with color, but varying texture in throw pillows, rugs, and even furniture will also add depth and interest to your space.