3 Quick Tips for Decluttering Your Closet

The best way to declutter your closet is first to set aside a day or some time to do it. Finding time for tasks like these can be so hard but it’s amazing what it will do for our stress levels when everything is neat and orderly. Use these three tips to help you as you declutter!

• Thin it out - prepack any seasonal items you will not be needing in the next 30 days. Box up those bulky items like winter coats, boots. bags.

• Matchy-Matchy - matching hangers and coordinating bins go a long way when it comes to appearing clutter-free. Hangers should all face the direction, color code clothing, and wicker bins hide the clutter.

• Bookend It - when you’re short on time, prioritize the top and bottom. That means clear out items on the top shelves and on the floor. You should be able to see as much flooring and open shelving as possible.

Perfect Patio Bundle

Want to refresh the appeal of your front door and patio space? We have pulled together some of our must have pieces and created our favorite Amazon picks.

SHOP THE ITEMS HERE

• Boho Pillow Covers

• 18x18 Pillow Inserts

• Striped Lumbar Covers

• 12x20 Pillow Inserts

• Bench

• 28" H Concrete Tall Tapered Planter

• Hello Doormat

• Black Striped Doormat

• Front Door Wreath

• Wreath Hanger

Choosing the Right Size Dining Room Rug

The right rug can bring a dining room from boring to beautiful. As one of the largest decor items in the room, a rug can have a dramatic effect to the look and feel of the room. For this to be the case, it’s vital to ensure the rug is the right size for the space. Utilize these three tips to help choose the right size dining room rug.

• Rug should extend at least 2’ on each side of your table, so there’s room to pull out chairs.

• Most tables need a rug that’s at least 8’ wide. There are exceptions to this in breakfast nook areas, but in any main dining space we suggest to use a rug that is 8’ rug.

• Choose a rug that will still fit beneath the table when it’s extended.

Thinking about hiring a designer to help give your dining room a refresh? Contact Danielle at danielle@lddesignco.com

Staging Place Settings - Yay or Nay?

Staging trends change from year to year. At one time it was popular and appealing to place a tray with books, coffee mugs, etc. on primary beds. However, that trend has passed and now the cleaner, minimalistic aesthetic is more appealing to buyers.

Currently, place settings remain a staging favorite! Why? Almost every seller usually has them on hand, they photograph well and suggest a place to gather around the table.

When creating place settings for staging, remember these tips —

• Utilize white or cream dishes

• Layers of three are key (charger, plate, bowl)

• Add a cloth napkin for a pop of color 4. Don't overcrowd with glasses or silverware

Choosing the Right Living Room Rug Size

Have you ever struggled to figure out what size your Living Room rug size should be? Here are 3 tips to help find the best fit of rugs!

• A rug should anchor your seating area

• At minimum, the front two legs of your sofa and main chairs should be on the rug

• Leave at least a 1-foot border between your rug and the walls

Decorating on a Budget

Decorating a home can add up quickly, consider these 3 easy tips to make the biggest impact in your space while staying within budget.

• 80/20 Rule
  You don’t have to start from scratch to have an updated look! Use 80% of things you already have that are working, and update your style with 20% of a newer, fresher look.

• Lighting
  Light fixtures instantly change the personality of any space, so they are the best bang for your buck! Choose a statement piece to achieve that wow factor.

• Go Big!
  Thoughtful, oversized items can give your space that designer look. Larger rugs make your living areas feel more spacious and bigger centerpieces make more of a statement.

5 Tips to Decorate Your Mantel

Have you ever wondered how designers create a curated fireplace mantel? Use these five tips to turn your fireplace into a focal point.

1. Place one significant item in the middle, centered. This can be a large piece of art or a mirror.

2. Layer items in front of each other, taller items in back.

3. Use items of different shapes, sizes, and texture.

4. Then flank it on either side with a grouping of items.

5. Group in odds. Place similar objects together in a group of three, in styling there’s no odd man out.

Still intimidated by styling your home? Contact us for an interior design consultation.

Our Favorite White Paint Colors

We asked our team of 7 designers and stagers, what is your favorite white paint? Here are the results!

Featured: Behr Divine Pleasure (color matched at Sherwin Williams)

Featured: Sherwin Williams Alabaster

Cool White Paint Colors

• SW Natural White

• SW Extra White

• SW Ice Cube

Soft or Warm White Paint Colors

• SW Alabaster

• SW Greek Villa

• SW Shoji White

• SW Snowbound

• BM Cloud White

• BM Swiss Coffee

• BM White Dove

• Behr Divine Pleasure (color matched at Sherwin Williams)

White paint colors can pull different undertones and look different in every room! If you are struggling with what paint color to use in your home follow our 3 suggestions here or call us for a Color Consultation!

3 Ways to Add Interest for a Neutral Palette

Do you love a neutral color palette but struggle with keeping the space interesting? Use these three tips to keep your eye moving around the room and create dimension in your space.

• Shades - Use a Variety of Shades. Neutral colors, in general, cover a wide palette, including ivory, grey, beige, white, taupe and brown and black. Mix it up!

• Textures - Layer different textures to create contrast. Let this be your guide instead of color. Incorporate a variety of materials such as wood, metal, and upholstery to add interest.

• Shapes - Neutral color can bring shape into the foreground of your design. Incorporate a mixture of shapes to capture attention or add dimension to a room.

Choosing the Best White Paint Color

Choosing a white paint can be tricky! More than 600 shades exist among the major paint companies, and they all differ in some way. One thing they all have in common- the ability to instantly refresh a room. Use these three tips to help you choose the best white for your space.

1. Natural Lighting

North-facing rooms tend to have cooler, less bright light so they need a warmer white, while Southern facing rooms get intense golden light, so a cooler white is ideal.

2. Undertones

Cooler whites have blue, green or purple undertones, so they appear crisp and icy. Warmer whites have hints of yellow, orange and red give these shades a cozy feel.

3. Test it!

Use peel and stick paint swatches to see it in your space. Observe how the color looks in both natural and artificial light as well as during the day and at night. You can get some of them from your local Sherwin Williams or you can order on www.samplize.com

How to Stage a Primary Bedroom

When we stage homes, one of the most important rooms to stage is the primary bedroom. These three tips will help your primary bedroom look it’s best!

• Declutter

  Remove personal items from bedside tables, hide laundry baskets, and store any excess furniture. Pre-pack personal items such as photos and memorabilia.

• Arrangement

  Place bed on the largest wall to make the room appear as large as possible. Matching nightstands should flank either side of bed for balance. If you have the space, add a bench at the foot of the bed.

• Bedding

  Bedding should be relaxing and inviting. A well made bed is a must. Utilize neutral bedding to keep it light and neutral. Throw a cozy blanket or duvet at the foot of the bed for an extra layer.

Shelf Styling 101

One of our favorite parts of staging is styling shelves. This can be an overwhelming task for those who aren’t comfortable styling so here are some quick tips to help you style those shelves with ease.

1. Group similar items (candlesticks, pots, books).

2. Odd numbers are your friends, so utilize sets in odd numbers.

3. Vary height by layering shorter and taller items in front of one another, overlapping.

Three Tips for Decorating a Living Room

Decorating a living room comes can come with challenges when dealing with an off centered fireplace or odd shaped room. We have found that these three tips can help determine the overall layout and function of your space.

1. Focal Point - Every room should have a focal point. Sometimes rooms have natural focal points, but if the room doesn't, you will want to choose one. It might be a fireplace or you can even create one with an eye-catching piece of artwork.

2. Furniture - Try arranging furniture in a way that is conducive to having a
conversation (rather than watching tv), which will give your space a
warm, balanced feel.

3. Texture - Too much of the same texture (wooden, upholstered, etc.) can feel one
dimensional. Use a variety of textures in your furniture to keep it interesting. Area
rugs go a long way to cozy up your space!

Still struggling with how to decorate or arrange your living room? Contact us at info@lddesignco.com for an Interior Design Consultation.

Highest Impact Rooms to Stage

According to NAR’s 2023 Profile of Home Staging 81% of buyers' agents said staging a home made it easier for a buyer to visualize the property as their future home. The process of staging can be overwhelming for buyers and that’s why we recommend focusing on staging these 3 areas of the home with the biggest impact.

Living Room - Potential homebuyers are looking for cozy living spaces where they can relax and entertain friends or relatives. This is the space that you want to feel warm, cozy and comfortable. Bringing in warm, neutral colors and showing how the space can be utilized allows a potential buyer to picture themselves in the space.

Kitchen - The kitchen is the heart of the home. Showcasing a kitchen’s best features can be done with the right staging eye. Staging with plants and natural elements in the kitchen helps the space feel organic while making sure to keeping the pieces minimal to highlight the amount of counter space.

Primary Bedroom - When staging the Primary Bedroom the goal is to create a relaxing space that shows buyers they'll be able to cozy up and unwind. We always keep in mind the scale of the room when bringing in furniture so you can highlight how spacious the room can feel.

Interested in booking a staging consultation? Email Danielle at danielle@lddesignco.com

3 Tips for Decluttering Your Kitchen

The kitchen is one of the most important rooms in the house for potential buyers and owners. To best showcase you or your clients kitchen, consider decluttering it using these three steps.

1. Counters

   Crowded kitchens communicate lack of storage space to potential buyers. Clear off counters by removing all items and only adding back in a few thoughtful pieces. Keeping a plant, canisters, coffee machine or utensil jar can be a good start to keep it minimal and aesthetically pleasing.

2. Refrigerator

This can quickly become a collection of our lives. Remove the magnet collection and kids’ school pics off the fridge as well as all storage items on top of the fridge.

3. Seating

A roomy dining space is more important than maximum seating. Try removing the 2 end chairs from your table or try 3 seats at the counter instead of 4. You will be amazed at how much larger it allows your space to feel.

The 3 C's of Staging

When staging a home, there are a few key aspects to consider for your home to look best and help future buyer’s envision themselves in the space.

1. CLEAN

   Outside, power wash your deck and windows. Inside, deep clean all surfaces. Wipe down baseboards, fans, and vents. Don't forget those hard to reach areas. When surfaces or the home appears dirty, buyer’s begin to think about what other parts of the home the homeowners have left unkept.

2. CLEAR

Declutter countertops and drawers. Donate or store away extra furniture that can make spaces feel cluttered. Outside, clear flowerbeds and add fresh mulch. Less can be more — a minimalistic approach when it comes to furniture and decor can make a bigger statement and allow buyer’s to see themselves and their furniture in the space.

3. COLOR

Neutralize by prepacking any textiles with heavy reds, oranges, or yellows. These can be polarizing. Incorporate neutral hues and shades of green and blue for a relaxing feel. Have you ever heard how color evokes emotion? As professional stagers, we take pride in making sure when buyer’s walk into a home that they feel relaxed and welcomed.

Need help executing these three suggestions? Contact us to book a staging consultation with one of our stagers today!

Best Go-To Staging Paint Colors

I think we can all agree painting is one of the best investments you can make to update your home quickly and effectively. The question is, where do you start in picking the best color with selling in mind?

The main goal of prepping your home to sale is to make it as appealing as possible for the largest pool of potential buyers, which means neutralizing your color palette and  giving it a warm, inviting, clean feel. 

Warm neutrals are the best staging go-to paint colors. Why? Buyers want to be able to picture themselves in your house. Neutral colors don’t offend. Also, they offer a welcoming first impression and a neutral backdrop for others to visualize their own furniture and artwork in your space. 

There are “cool” paint tones and “warm” paint tones. Warmer colors breath energy and positivity. Cooler tones communicate relaxation and calm. Although we want to evoke both feelings to the potential buyer, warmer tones, generally speaking, are on trend in 2022.  

If you’ve painted within the last 5 years, you probably know the trend leaned towards cooler grays, but in 2022, many homeowners are opting for slightly warmer grays, warm whites, or greige (yes this is a real term) paint colors.  These warmer neutrals keep the walls warm while still maintaining a neutral and light feeling. 

Some of our favorite go-to paint colors when staging a home: 

• Benjamin Moore White Dove

• Sherwin Williams Alabaster

• Benjamin Moore Swiss Coffee

• Sherwin Williams Agreeable Gray 

• Sherwin Williams Accessible Beige

• Sherwin Williams Canvas Tan

Need help choosing the perfect shade for your space? Want to find out more? Schedule a Color Consultation with one of our color consultants today!