Fall Porch Decorating Ideas

Hi friend! I love the fall season! The changing cooler weather, pumpkin everything, and pulling out my cozy sweaters. My most favorite part about fall is decorating my front porch.

It doesn’t take much to transform your porch. You could use what you already have or find inexpensive decor items to add some warm welcoming vibes to your home.

Front Porch Inspiration

Transform your front porch into a cozy autumn retreat with thoughtful decor ideas that celebrate the season.

Lemile Magazine

Start with a warm welcome by adding a seasonal wreath adorned with vibrant leaves or rustic accents.

Seasonal welcome mats come in an array of shapes, sizes, and wording. I like to layer welcome mats to add dimension and texture.

Incorporate hay bales and pumpkins in various sizes to create an inviting focal point.

Some of the most popular flowers, like mums, roses, dahlias, purple pansies and, yes, even bright yellow sunflowers, all bloom around September and October. Plant these in varying planter pots of different sizes, shapes, colors, and heights to add visual interest.

Use throw pillow cushions on rocking chairs to invite guests to sit and enjoy the crisp air.

Create symmetry by repeating the same planters on both sides of the steps or doorway.

Use muted colors that relate to the home's exterior colors and don’t be afraid to mix in green with shades of orange.

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I wholeheartedly believe that there's no such thing as too many pumpkins!

With these delightful fall front porch decor ideas, you can craft a lovely space that truly captures the essence of the season!

If you are local the the Charlotte, North Carolina area, I would LOVE to help you transform your front porch! Let’s connect!!

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Did you know that eDesign can keep you from making costly design mistakes?

-Tiffani Michalenko

HSR Certified Home Stager & Expert eDesigner

Fashion-Inspired Dining Room

In the realm of Interior Design, inspiration can spring from various sources. Recently, I stumbled upon a fashion magazine ad and had the idea to transform the campaign into a room concept for a creative twist.

The Inspiration

The sand, sky, and sea at the beach are the foundation for a style movement that we never tire of - the classic, quintessentially coastal look. It always stays in style because, when done well, it conjures up a luxurious, laid-back lifestyle.

Lemile Magazine

The Louis Vuitton Cruise 2024 Campaign, is an evocative fashion campaign starring English actress Emma Laird set on the captivating Italian island of Isola Bella.

The narrative blends history, elegance, and allure, with models representing the collection's essence.

Jamie Hakesworth's visuals depict the island's rich history and folklore, evoking a timeless and fantastical atmosphere.

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The Mood Board

Drawing inspiration from the location and model’s ensemble in the advertisement, I concentrated on infusing soft tones and textures into this mood board to reflect the essence of the captivating image.

Visual mood boards are instrumental in sparking ideas and integrating textures from inspiring images. Through carefully selecting and organizing a collection of pictures, I establish the groundwork for designing a room.

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The Sketch

Sketching a room puts my ideas to paper.

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The Rendering

After I’ve brainstormed and have a better understanding of the overall feeling of a room’s aesthetic, I put it all together into a 3D rendering.

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Advertisement Reimagined

Both the advertisement and room design encapsulates a vibrancy, crafting a timeless and enchanting atmosphere.

I can't wait to hear your thoughts on my creative process of turning a fashion design advertisement into a room design.

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Did you know that eDesign can keep you from making costly design mistakes?

-Tiffani Michalenko

HSR Certified Home Stager & Expert eDesigner

Hallway Refresh

This dark dead-end hallway was boring and needed a refresh. Check out what we did to make this a more appealing and happier space!

The Before

Where to start with this dead-end hallway? The overall darkness, the chair rail, the awkward yet narrow walkway, or the lack of a linen closet…

I’ve always been bothered by the floor plan layout of this hallway. The angled wall to the right creates a very narrow walkway from the landing of the stairs. Since we aren’t changing the walls or layout of this space, I had to decide on what could be changed.

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What We Did

We opted to remove the unnecessary chair rail. Chair rail has a place in dining rooms to protect walls from chairs being pushed up against the wall. Why the chair rail was installed upstairs in this hallway will always be a mystery to me!

We repaired the walls from the chair rail removal and installed board and batten.

I found this gorgeous Dark Multi Moody June Blooms peel-and-stick wallpaper from WallPops. I loved the blue accent color paired with the different shades of green and tiny bits of orange.

This was my first time installing peel-and-stick wallpaper and it was fairly easy. I did find it a bit challenging to line up the patterns perfectly. I love it though and the print adds so much life and cheerfulness to this dead-end wall.

After applying primer to the wood, we painted a fresh coat of Sherwin Williams Agreeable Gray SW7029 paint on the walls. I opted to paint the board and batten the same as the original paint color as a way to color drench the space. The original white chair rail and trim stood out, and not in a good way!

It took me several days of sanding and fully preparing the walls to be primed and painted.

Once all the painting was complete, we moved our antique pie safe back into place. The blue cabinet which we use for linen storage, was the inspiration behind my selection of wallpaper, area rug runner, and table lamp.

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HOT TIP: Find an inspirational piece to begin developing your design plan. This can be artwork, a pillow, an area rug, a pretty pattern on a dish… you can draw inspiration from almost anything! Your design plan will have a purpose once you do. You’ll know what colors or patterns you are drawn to and a clear direction of what you would like to try and incorporate into the space.

To help add some light to this hallway, I found this adorable blue glass table lamp on Amazon and the white wall mirror was on clearance at Hobby Lobby. The mirror helps to reflect light and also makes the hallway feel a bit longer than it really is.

The dark wood cabinet in front of the wallpapered wall has a lot of scratches on it. I’m considering stripping the dark stain and giving this old cabinet a facelift.

What do you think?

Paint the cabinet a light green or go with a more natural-looking wood tone. I’d love to hear your thoughts!

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-Tiffani Michalenko

HSR Certified Home Stager & Expert eDesigner

Paint Color Predictions for 2024

It’s that time of the year again when all of the major paint manufacturers present their color forecast and announce their representative color for the upcoming year. Each paint company spends hours researching and observing the current cultural climate resulting in colors symbolic to it.

I’m excited for their trend predictions!

Color forecasters are predicting palettes chosen for their distinct presence and personality. 2024 is predicted to be a year of coastal-inspired blues and calming neutrals contrasted with moodier hues, such as olive green and black. This year’s trend cycle is a stark contrast from 2023’s saturated yet playful color palette.

If you are ready to give your walls a fresh update, take a look at what paint manufacturer experts believe will be big next year.

Here’s some color inspiration.

Sherwin Williams

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Sherwin Williams announced their color for 2024 is Upward SW6239. A blissful blue hue inspired by coastal aesthetics.

"We knew lighter tones were going to be important in 2024 and 2025 and we wanted to forecast the shift from earthy neutrals to lighter expressions and a light blue like Upward SW 6239 told that story very well," says Sue Wadden, director of color marketing for Sherwin-Williams.

The soft hue complements a variety of design styles and looks great with antiques, modern furniture, transitional pieces, and even boho interiors.

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Benjamin Moore

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Blue seems to be a recurring color across the paint brands.

Benjamin Moore did not disappoint with their Color of the Year pick Blue Nova 825. “Elevate the everyday and expand horizons through juxtaposed color that is sure to inspire. With Blue Nova leading the way, depth and intrigue are balanced by an undercurrent of reassurance. This alluring mid-tone features an enchanting duality, capturing the spotlight with endlessly classic appeal” Benjamin Moore.

Feeling Blue? Every year I look forward to curating fun mood boards featuring the colors of year chosen by top paint brands Sherwin Williams and Benjamin Moore.

I personally love to design with blue!!!

I think these story boards showcase the personality and versatility of each color.

Which do you prefer?

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Behr Paint

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Behr Paint Company took a different approach with their color selection.

The selected a moodier, edgier color for those who are ready to embrace a color that encourages homeowners to take a leap. Cracked Pepper PPU18-1 is described as “a versatile soft black hue, acting as a neutral, creating a grounding shade that trends away from classic white-and-cream colors” - Behr Paint Company.

"The moment now is about optimism, awakening the senses, and elevating how you feel—and a room with a soft black really checks the box on all of those things," says Erika Woelfel, vice president of color and creative services at Behr Paint. Cracked Pepper works with everything from dusty pastels and metallic accents to earthy shades and bold patterns and textures.

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HOT TIP: Choose your paint color LAST! Trust me on this one. If you paint first and then decorate, the paint color may not work with what you've chosen and you'll end up hating the wall color. Instead, build a color palette off of your fabrics, area rugs, or artwork.

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Blue is one of my favorite colors to design with. Below are some rooms in my home where I used blue!

I chose to incorporate Sherwin Williams Granite Peak SW6250 throughout our first floor. The deep hue is rich and so beautiful in person. I selected this blue based on a blue and white vintage inspired area rug.

For a cohesive color palette, Granite Peak was painted on different surfaces beginning at the front door over across to the fireplace, in the Powder Room, and on the half knee wall behind a sofa.

Varying shades of blue are repeated throughout and can be seen in the area rugs, wall decor, table linens, accent throw pillows, drapery fabric, artwork, and blankets.

I think my favorite room is the Powder Room because the walls are blanketed in Granite Peak. Using bold colors in powder rooms is such a fun way to incorporate your favorite color!

I guess I was ahead of the Blue Trend when I selected blue for my home! :)

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Did you know that you could boost your home’s selling price by over $10,000 with a select few statistically proven paint colors?

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I offer FREE 30-minute Paint Color Discovery Calls to help you choose paint colors that work with the architectural style of your home, your fixed elements, and your specific design style!

Paint Colors of the Year 2023

Every Fall paint manufacturers present their color forecast and announce their representative color for the upcoming year. Each paint company spends hours researching and observing the current cultural climate resulting in colors symbolic to it.

Neutrals. Soothing Hues. Warm Earth Tones.

Let’s check them out!

Color forecasters are predicting palettes chosen for their distinct presence and personality. 2023 is a year of adding individuality to your space and discovering the transformative power of paint with hues inspired by modern art, natural changes that occur in metal, and a desire for self-expression through color.

Here’s the breakdown of the top three paint manufacturers…

Sherwin Williams

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Sherwin Williams announced their color for 2023 is Redent Point SW9081. Warmth, intrigue, calming, and versitile are some of the adjectives they used for their paint color selection. SW embraced the spirit of connection with the world around us with this soulful-yet-subtle hue. This minimal yet cozy color creates a comforting backdrop for everyday moments that matter. Here’s to softer spaces!

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Benjamin Moore

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Make room for a vivacious shade of coral tinged with pink, Raspberry Blush 2008-30 has been named the Benjamin Moore Color of the Year 2023. Enlivening the senses, Raspberry Blush encompasses an electric optimism and is the definition of charismatic color. BM is unapologetic with their choice of red-orange and I personally love it! They had me at a hue that makes a statement! BM drew inspiration from artists desiring to communicate through color, shape, and sound as well as giving individuals a platform of self-expression.

Seeing Red? I put together this vision board featuring the colors of year chosen by Sherwin Williams and Benjamin Moore. They both selected red-based pinks. I think these story boards showcase the personality and versatility of each color. Which do you prefer?

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Behr Paint

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A much calmer selection, Behr’s 2023 color of the year is Blank Canvas DC-003. Paint forecasters have said over the past few months that consumers are moving away from stark white walls and instead crave warmer beiges. Blank Canvas does not disappoint! As a neutral color, it creates a warm and welcoming atmosphere. This paint color can be used in virtually anywhere… entryways, hallways, main living spaces, in bedrooms, or even on kitchen cabinets. This neutral color offers a comforting appeal yet creates a fresh feeling.

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Did you know that you could boost your home’s selling price by over $10,000 with a select few statistically proven paint colors?

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I offer FREE 30-minute Paint Color Discovery Calls to help you choose paint colors that work with the architectural style of your home, your fixed elements, and your specific design style!

Are The Holidays A Good Time Sell A Home?

Towards the end of October and the beginning of November, I am often asked "Are the holidays a good time to sell a home? Should I hold off until spring? What will the winter real estate market be like this year?”.

The answer may surprise you. Keep scrolling to find out.

With so much going on at the end of the year… Holiday parties and family gatherings. Living in a home on the market can be a pain in any season, and more so during the holidays. So, if you (or your real estate clients) are in no hurry to sell, it may make sense from a convenience standpoint to hold off until the festive season is past. On the other hand...

There are some good reasons why the holidays are actually a great time to sell a home.

The first of the year is a common time for new job starts, so the weeks leading up to that are a prime time for some house hunters. With the school break, families have an opportunity to relocate with minimal learning days lost. They may also have vacation days that expire at year-end, so this is their window to find a new home.

Yes - the recent mortgage rate increases have slowed some buyers down, but buyers who are still looking are serious buyers. These buyers are often from out of town and are more likely to have a relocation package or submit a cash offer. They are motivated buyers.

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Is it OK to style with holiday decor in homes staged for sale?

Try to keep holiday decorations simple, minimal, and non-religious when a home is on the market. Think greenery and possibly a poinsettia. This is true only for showings. MLS photos are another story!!

Listing photos should not have any holiday hints visible.

This goes for any other season as well. When you have any type of holiday decor on display, this can give a clue about when photos were taken and put a visual time-stamp on those images. This tells a prospective buyer about how long the home has been on the market.

Let's put a dollar value on a Christmas tree in a house on the market.

A major factor in home value is the price per square foot. The average Christmas tree consumes about 15 square feet of floor space. Crazy, right? Let’s say the home is priced at $200/sq ft. That means that the tree is concealing $3000 in perceived value. source

All of our reindeer, Santas, and garlands make a home feel so cozy, but in real estate, 'cozy' equals 'small and cluttered'.

My gift to you!

In the spirit of the season, I created a Home Staging Cheat Sheet to help you or your real estate clients prepare their homes for sale. Enjoy!

Staging Cheat Sheet that works for any season!

Happy Holidays!

Painted Cabinets

The overall aesthetic of my kitchen was mismatched and outdated. Since the cabinets and granite countertops are in great condition, we decided to paint the cabinets.

This is how I did it.

What You’ll Need

I used everything listed below plus some additional brushes I had and buckets to clean with.

Preparation

Step One:

I removed all of the doors and drawers from the kitchen. I took off the knobs, hinges, and clear sticker bumpers.

Step Two:

Once the hinges were removed, I used a Sharpie marker to write what number the cabinet was inside one hinge hole cutout. I then also labeled a piece of blue painter’s tape with the same number and stuck it on top of the number marked with Sharpie. I did this because when the paint was sprayed on, it covered up most of the labels on the painter’s tape. I was able to pull it off and see the numbers clearly for the installation.

I also made labels out of blue painter’s tape for each drawer.

Step Three:

I sanded the cabinet boxes, doors, and drawer fronts using 320-grit sandpaper wrapped on a sanding block.

I wiped everything down with a tack cloth and then using a paint rag, wiped with Liquid Sandpaper.

I then mixed the TSP All-Purpose Cleaner with warm water and wiped everything making sure to get any leftover sanding residue.

Be sure to wear heavy-duty protective gloves during this process!

Hot Tip: Use a hair dryer to heat any sticky residue and scrape it off with a palette knife or flathead screwdriver.

Step Four:

Prep your workspace. Place painter’s plastic down on the floors and on top of countertops to protect from paint spills or drops.

Using the Green Frog Tape, tape all areas where the cabinets meet the walls, floors, appliances, countertops… everywhere you don’t want paint. Be sure to tape two layers side by side. Doing so will make it so that the edge of your paint roller goes on the tape and not the wall.

I taped painter’s plastic on the interior of my cabinet boxes to protect them from unwanted paint splatter.

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Applying Primer

Step Five:

Cabinet Boxes

I painted two coats of Zinser BIN Primer on the cabinet boxes. The primer is very thin and smells awful. Make sure you ventilate your room as much as possible.

For the cabinet boxes, I cut in using the 2” flat brush and rolled on the paint everywhere else.

Door and Drawer Fronts

When I primed the doors and drawer fronts, I used the paint sprayer. It was much faster and only required one coat of Primer. The downside was that the paint sprayer used up a lot of Primer. I ended up going through an entire gallon.

I first painted the backs of the doors and drawers. If I made any mistakes or the paint dripped, it was on the back and less noticeable than on the front.

HOT TIP: Wear a properly fitted face mask, eye covering, and gloves when using primer.

I used the mini cone paint stands to prop the doors and drawers up on as they dried.

Once the backs were dry, I painted the fronts and sides and then let them dry.

HOT TIP: I learned that once dry, the Primer dries flaky on the painter’s plastic and painter’s tape. I had to use a lot of tack cloth to get the flakes off before I could paint with the cabinet paint. I probably should have removed the painter’s plastic and then prepped it again with fresh plastic and tape.

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Applying the Cabinet Paint

I chose the Nuvo Cabinet Paint because it is easy to work with plus the kit comes with everything you need to get started. Nuvo has several colors to pick from and I really liked that they included very detailed instructions.

I used the Nuvo Cabinet Paint on my bathroom vanities without the top coat that can be purchased separately and the paint has held up very well. I do plan to go back and put a top coat on them just to make sure the paint lasts even longer.

Step Six:

Cabinet Boxes

Using the same method as with the Pimer, I cut in with a 2” brush and rolled the paint on with the cabinet paint roller. I found the Nuvo Titanium White paint to be very thick but applied smoothly.

I didn’t take a picture of this step, but I used the drywall knife to avoid paint bleeding through the painter’s tape onto the flooring. I put the flat edge of the drywall knife on the floor up against the shoe molding and painted on top of the knife instead of painting directly onto the painter’s tape.

It took two coats of cabinet paint to fully cover the Primer. I repeated the painting process with one layer of the Clear Top Coat.

Drawers and Doors

I used one of my daughter’s toy bins that has wheels on the bottom to easily rotate the doors and drawers around while I painted them.

I started with the backs again. I first cut in with a brush and then rolled on the paint with the paint roller.

After the backs were dry, I repeated the process for the fronts.

I let all of the doors and drawers dry overnight and then repeated the process of applying the Clear Top Coat.

HOT TIP: Remove the painter’s tape while the paint is still a little bit wet. This will allow for cleaner edges.

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Putting It All Together

Step Seven:

Inspect your paint job to see if there is anywhere you need to touchup, then replace the clear bumper stickers on the backs of the doors and drawers.

Step Eight:

I enlisted the help of my husband to help reinstall the doors and drawers. We replaced the hinges with new soft-close hinges and hung the doors back up.

After the drawers were put back, we installed new knobs and then we admired all of the hard work that went into this transformation!

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I am so glad we decided to paint our cabinets! It was a labor of love and definitely took me longer than I anticipated. I think the most time-consuming part of this project was the prep work, but it was necessary to achieve the results I wanted. All in all, this project took me over two weeks to complete. I worked a little bit every day and did what I could while my kids were at school.

Now we have a fresh bright white kitchen that instantly brightened up the entire space!

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FREE download! Start planning your next home refresh with this Room Budget Calculator.

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-Tiffani Michalenko

HSR Certified Home Stager & Expert eDesigner

Out With The Old… In With The Newly Refreshed Kitchen

When we purchased our house in 2020 we knew that the Kitchen would need a facelift. The layout is perfectly functional, but the overall aesthetic was mismatched and outdated.

The Before

The layout of the Kitchen works for us, but the reddish brown cabinet stain and pink beige tile felt outdated and clashed with the black and white granite countertops.

The hanging pot holder served no purpose and was crooked and off-center. When we removed it, we found out the hanging pot holder wasn’t even secured to a ceiling joist! Thankfully we never hung any pots from it.

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The Flooring

The flooring had to go! The pink beige builder-grade tile was chipped, cracked, and clashed with the black and white granite countertops.

With kids and pets, we ultimately decided to install a wood-look LVP (luxury vinyl plank tile) throughout our first floor due to its durability and water resistance.

When installing this type of wood look flooring, it is important to try and run it continuously throughout. Never try to install the flooring up to another type of wood pattern. It will not ever look right because the wood tones will be different and you could timestamp your house.

BEFORE

Do you see how awful the installation was? The previous owners of our house installed LVP next to the old tile. The tile is much thicker than the LVP so we constantly stepped on the “ledge”. Plus, they didn’t bother removing the tile that created a pointed angle that butted up to the column. It drove me nuts that the point was not centered on the column!

AFTER

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The Walls and Cabinet Paint

We painted the walls and ceiling with a fresh coat of paint. The walls are Sherwin Williams Agreeable Gray SW7029 in a satin finish.

The reddish brown cabinet stain represented the Tuscan trend from when the house was built in 2008. The cabinets themselves were in great condition so we opted to paint the cabinets a fresh bright white. We also replaced the cabinet door hinges with soft-close hinges as well as replaced the knobs.

Want to find out how I painted my cabinets? See more here.

The appliances were replaced with a matching set and we swapped out the sink faucet for a taller spot resistant brushed stainless steel sink faucet from Moen.

The Result

The Kitchen now feels brighter and makes the entire space feel even more spacious!

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What do you think about this Kitchen Refresh?

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FREE download! Start planning your next home refresh with this Room Budget Calculator.

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-Tiffani Michalenko

HSR Certified Home Stager & Expert eDesigner

Hot Home Trend: Lighter Flooring

Spoiler Alert!

Lighter wood-tone floors are taking center stage

According to a recent poll taken by the National Association of Realtors, 31% of Americans want to undertake replacing their flooring as a home improvement. Source

Softer wood tones are available in more expansive, longer planks to instantly modernize the floors.

Why is this trend happening?

Dark wood has been the popular choice for flooring up until recently. We are seeing lighter tones re-emerging but in wider and longer plank versions. The wider and longer planks achieve a fresher, more updated modern look.

Engineered Hardwood

Laminant

Actual flooring shown in open living space above.

Actual flooring shown in the bathroom above.

Are there advantages to installing lighter wood tones?

Why yes there are!

• Don't show as many scuff marks

• Don't show dust as easily as darker wood tones

• Pet hair is more difficult to see

• Softer colors and wider planks of wood can lighten the overall look of the space making it appear larger

Wood flooring in blonde shades such as a greige (mixture of gray and beige), and whitewashed hardwoods are definitely on-trend right now.

What flooring material is right for me?

Hardwood: Actual hardwood will always be a classic and timeless flooring material. If you have hardwood floors consider sanding them and refinishing the wood with a lighter stain. Hardwood floors are beautiful but, the cost and upkeep of natural hardwood floors can become costly.

Laminate: Laminate floors are durable and made of layers of high-density fiberboard with a photographic image laminated to the surface. Due to a wear-resistant coating, laminate holds up really well. Laminate floors are relatively easy to install and are a great choice for a busy household in areas not exposed to moisture. It should be noted that many people have complained of laminate flooring types feeling cold and hard underfoot and are also noisy.

Engineered Luxury Vinyl Plank: LVP is by far the most durable and easy to maintain flooring option if installed correctly. LVP mimics the look, texture, and warmth of real wood with the added benefit of being 100% waterproof. I would advise having underlayment installed because the flooring will be easier on your feet, almost cushioned-like, and quieter. LVP can be installed on top of virtually any flat surface as it easily clicks into place. I have Luxury Vinyl Plank flooring on my first floor and also on my second-floor bathrooms. I absolutely love it!

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HOT TIP: When considering which direction to install the planks, avoid installing them in the left and right orientation to avoid an outdated look. Doing so can make a space feel shorter and smaller. Instead, start at your front door and turn the planks so that they go straight towards the opposite side of the house. This will elongate the space and draw the eye from the front door into the rest of the home.

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Need help choosing a flooring material for your home? I’m here to help!

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Want in on the secret to great design?

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Post-Holiday Winter Blues Got You Feeling Down?

The holidays may be over, but winter certainly is not.

Do you feel sad after all the holiday decor is stored away? I know I do. I miss the ambiance in my home from all of the Christmas tree twinkling lights and our special mementos that I decorate with. My home looks a bit dull and lacking once everything is put away. Did you know that the post-holiday winter blues are a real thing? You might be experiencing it if you feel a bit down after your Christmas decorations go into storage.

With winter in full swing, it's too early to decorate for spring and it may feel like holiday decor is the only option to decorate with right now. Have no fear, post-holiday winter decor is the perfect way to add an extra dose of coziness to your home!

I’m not talking about Christmas holiday decorations either, I’m referring to making updates that go beyond the holiday season and will maintain a sense of coziness.

Have you heard of Hygge decor? Pronounced hue-gah, this decor style is a Danish concept that focuses on embracing life’s simple pleasures and comfort. Introducing this concept into your home will help take you through to the next season.

Read on to see how you can embrace the awkward season between the holidays and spring!

1. Edit Your Home

The New Year is a great time to go through your home and edit (aka declutter). Take a day or a weekend tackling one space at a time and reflect on what is useful in your home and what is not. By hitting the ‘reset’ button on your home, you’ll be able to cleanse your space… and your mind. Visual clutter can cause unnecessary stress and anxiety. Donate those items that no longer bring you joy or serve a meaningful purpose. Make room for what is important to you and your family!

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2. Bring the Outdoors In

This rings true for any season… but especially in winter when we can’t frequent the outdoors as often as we can in warmer months and also because most of the plant life is dormant. By bringing in greenery, you will add life and warmth to your home. Eucalyptus and Boxwood are types of greenery that feel especially wintery. Both last a long time and are beautiful even when they dry out. I love eucalyptus the most because of its calming effect and soothing scent!

Did you know that different types of greenery go best with certain design styles?

• Mid-century Modern, Minimal, Eclectic styles = eucalyptus

• Traditional styles = redwood, pine, blue spruce

• Farmhouse styles = juniper, cedar, and magnolia

• Boho styles = seeded eucalyptus

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HOT TIP: Living plants not really your thing? Faux greenery will give you the same feeling of warmth and life without the guilt of a dying house plant. Ikea is a great source for inexpensive faux plants and planters.

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3. Incorporate Textures

Without texture, design is flat, two-dimensional, and boring. Rooms need varying textures for visual and physical interest. You could incorporate textures throughout a room by layering pillows, soft throw blankets, area rugs, and other cozy textures. I like to layer in textures such as boucle, sheepskin, tweeds, faux fur, mohair, and velvet. Chunky knit throws and natural elements would take your space to the next level! If you can splurge, consider a cashmere throw blanket. The extra soft texture is sure to be an indulgence.

HOT TIP: Create balance in your room by layering textures evenly throughout so that no one piece of furniture or area in the room feels lonely or without the cozy factor. I like to keep things simple with just 1-3 pillows on sofas and larger chairs paired with a cozy throw blanket.

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4. Add a Plush Rug

One easy way to help your home feel cozier is by adding in a plush rug. Real or Faux Sheepskin rugs can be layered with your existing area rug to create a comfy corner in your space. You could also add one to the side of the bed so that the first thing you place your feet onto in the morning, is a plush warm furry rug!

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5. Use Accent Lighting

Accent lights are the perfect way to create a warm glow and brighten up your home in the darker winter season. In an entryway, you could consider layering a table lamp in addition to the overhead lighting you already have. Smaller decorative table lamps sprinkled throughout your home will add additional light and style.

HOT TIP: Candles have a way of adding light, warmth, and an ambient mood to any space. Layer in candles anywhere that you want a comforting glow. There are so many wonderful winter scented candles, try to stick with 1-2 scents throughout. Flameless battery-operated candles are a great alternative for kid-friendly spaces!

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6. Embrace the Winter Blue Hues

Blue is and will always be a timeless color no matter the time of year, plus the color blue has the added bonus of seamlessly transitioning into the spring! Breathe new life into your home with a fresh cheery color palette.

The color blue could be incorporated into almost any room. For a winter color refresh, consider crisp blues paired with cheerful yellows to keep your space feeling bright. Swapping out throw pillow covers is an inexpensive way to instantly add shades of blue. Introducing pillow covers with interesting patterns has a way of making your space feel renewed and fresh.

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7. Time to Update Your Bedding

The winter months can bring in a much colder climate depending on where you live, so it might be a good idea to update your bedding. Flannel is a go-to choice for sheets. You may want to also switch to a heavier down option for your duvet comforter. After you establish the bedding basics, layer the bed with a cozy quilt or throw blanket. Weighted blankets are trending for optimum relaxation and coziness.

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8. New Artwork

Support your post-holiday winter color palette by incorporating artwork into your home. You could swap out for any art that inspires you and makes you feel at peace during the winter. Swapping out art can be small and simple or large and impactful. Winter scenes make for great art - think snowy mountains, snow-covered architecture, or impressionist wintery landscapes.

Are you the DIY type? Framed pressed winter flowers or greenery would make for great winter art.

HOT TIP: Canvas art is lightweight, easily stored, and inexpensive!

I hope that you are able to combat those Winter Blues. How will you refresh your home for the winter months?

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2022 Paint Colors of the Year

Every Fall paint manufacturers present their color forecast and announce their representative color for the upcoming year. Each paint company spends hours researching and observing the current cultural climate resulting in colors symbolic to it.

Are you ready to go green?

Color forecasters are predicting varying shades of green will trend in 2022. According to forbes.com, “the shades of green we will see inspires us to begin again and is a great choice for modern interiors and exteriors”.

Green is such a versatile color that reflects the reality of the worldwide pandemic we’ve all gone through over the past year. A color associated with healing a growth, it’s no wonder why green has been chosen for the color of the year.

Here’s the breakdown from the top three paint manufacturers…

Sherwin Williams

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Sherwin Williams announced their color for 2022 is Evergreen Fog SW9130. This green is more of a muted pastel with hints of grey than a classic sage. The color signifies the fog is slowly lifting as we await the newness of life with its soft green. The color is symbolic of gentle growth and slow emergence from what has become the new normal. Evergreen fog is subtle, calming, and creates a serene room in all styles of homes.

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Benjamin Moore

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Make room for creativity with October Mist 1495, the Benjamin Moore Color of the Year 2022. This gently shaded sage quietly anchors a space, while encouraging individual expression through color.

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Behr Paint

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Behr’s 2022 color of the year is Breezeway MQ3-21. The color is a silvery green, reminiscent of sea glass, inspiring us to embrace adventures near and far in the coming year. Breezeway evokes feelings of calm and a sense of renewal to discover newfound passions and a zest for life. It is a fantastic color to use in smaller rooms as cool pastels are perfect for expanding the perception of space and would be an excellent color to detail the home’s exterior.

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Did you know that you could boost your home’s selling price by over $10,000 with a select few statistically proven paint colors?

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I offer FREE 30-minute Paint Color Discovery Calls to help you choose paint colors that work with the architectural style of your home, your fixed elements, and your specific design style!

Pantry Refresh

Pantry Goes From Dysfunctional to Completely Organized

Holy pantry space! This oversized pantry recently got a facelift and I’m here to share with you how we did it. 

The Before

Disorganized and cluttered, things fell through the wire shelving. A very frustrating space that made me feel overwhelmed every time I walked in.

When my husband I bought our house we were shocked at the size of our new pantry. We’ve only ever had a small closet space to use. This pantry could easily fit bunk beds LOL! 

The drab basic builder-grade white wire shelving was over twelve years old, dirty, stained, and not functional for adequate food storage. The vertical posts made it challenging to organize food and the open shelving caused things to fall through the cracks all the time.

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What We Did

First, the wire shelving was torn out and the many, many holes left in the walls were patched. 

We painted a fresh coat of Sherwin Williams Agreeable Gray SW7029 paint to the walls and I worked on the staining and adding a coat of Polyurethane to the wood shelves my husband cut and sanded. I used the Dark Walnut #2176 stain finish by Minwax.

The shelves vary in length according to the wall-length but are all right at 11” deep.

One by one we spaced out the brackets determining how much height we wanted between shelf levels and the shelving space came to life. We maximized every square inch in this space!

Once all the shelves were up, the room overall felt more open and spacious, but the dark wood tone absorbed much of the light so we decided to also update the semi-flush mount light.

Voila, instantly more light! 

The fun part began with a shopping trip to IKEA where I was able to source most of the storage bins. I found the clear bins on Amazon. You can download a free copy of all the products I used here.

I organized all the food and made my own vinyl labels with my Silhouette cutting machine.

You could certainly download free printable labels and print them on sticker paper or use a marker and handwrite them!

All Done

Everything now has a place and I couldn’t be happier channeling my inner KonMari!  

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What do you think about this Pantry Refresh?

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FREE download! Shop my favorite organizational products used to accomplish this Pantry Refresh.

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-Tiffani Michalenko

HSR Certified Home Stager & Expert eDesigner

Farmhouse Bedroom Designed Four Ways

Farmhouse Style. Is it here to stay?

I recently went shopping at The Depot at Gibson Mill which is an Antique Mall located here in Concord, North Carolina. It is a fabulous place to visit with oodles of vintage and antique booths. One of my happy places! 😊 I am a sucker for unique vintage finds!

During this trip, I was inspired by the aged furniture, all the patina you could ever imagine, and mostly the surplus of farmhouse decor.

Source: @thedepotatgibsonmill

As we perused the aisles, I was so inspired that I found myself placing pieces of furniture together in my mind and imagined a farmhouse-style bedroom situated in a cozy old home somewhere deep in the country. 

That leads me to question if the Farmhouse Design Style is here to stay? 

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After I got home I dug deeper into this thought and realized that the term ‘farmhouse’ is loosely used to describe a design trend that is so much larger than its name. 

“Defined as an interior design style, farmhouse is a style that draws inspiration from the look of an actual farmhouse and uses decorative elements that you’d find in rural or agricultural areas. Farmhouse interiors are warm, cozy, relaxing and full of charm and character.” -Modsy 

The style takes me back to “simpler” times. It is easy though to veer the look into too much “country kitsch”, so it’s important to maintain a stylish balance of old and new, focusing more on a natural look. In other words, farmhouse design isn’t code for going overboard with the mason jars, shiplap, cotton stems, and collections of rooster statues!

I further discovered that there are many variations of farmhouse design and how each has its own distinct characteristics.

The farmhouse interior design style can be seen all over HGTV shows, Pinterest, Houzz, and Instagram feeds. The most popular forms of farmhouse style are Classic Farmhouse, Rustic Farmhouse, Modern Farmhouse, and Victorian Farmhouse.

After reading more about each individual style, I categorized my antique mall findings as Classic Farmhouse. 

I developed a bedroom mood board based on my shopping adventure. 

Classic Farmhouse

A more traditional style with “French provincial” aesthetic influences, Classic Farmhouse is a softer, more feminine approach to farmhouse style and creates that classic cottage chic vibe.

After creating this concept board, I decided I needed to challenge myself to create more versions of the bedroom in each of the most popular farmhouse styles. 

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Rustic Farmhouse

This style is a less mid-century and more rustic/industrial take on farmhouse design. It has a heavy focus on rugged materials—like rough-hewn and natural woods, wrought iron, and leather with a rich patina—along with more vintage and antique pieces.

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Modern Farmhouse

Modern Farmhouse effortlessly blends the best parts of some of the most popular trends from the past several years—you’ve got a smidge of Rustic, a dusting of Industrial, and just the right amount of Mid-Century Modern design. It instantly adds a casual-but-pulled-together character to any interior. While this style is a bit more dramatic than your typical rustic or classic farmhouse look, it still manages to be effortlessly livable. It embodies that perfect mix of modern and relaxed, for a look that’s both on-trend and approachable.

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Victorian Farmhouse

Victorian Farmhouse style is warm, cozy, and a relaxing style that’s full of charm and character, but also mixes in the elements and principles foundational to Victorian style. Victorian Farmhouse maintains a definite farmhouse aesthetic. It takes all of the comfortable, cozy, and approachable parts of farmhouse design, then pulls in some of those antique and classic vibes, with a bit of a collector approach. It’s an elevated country style, with a bit of French country decorating mixed in.

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When it comes to decor trends, Farmhouse style has it all—think texture, contrast, and coziness all rolled into one perfect space. This trend is here to stay and is already becoming a classic design style.

What’s your favorite variation of farmhouse design? 

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FREE download! Start your design project the right way with the Principles of Design.

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Want to see your space before you commit to a new design?

Try eDesign.

Work directly with me on your design project. Let’s set a plan in motion so you avoid costly design mistakes. Click here to learn more about my eDesign services.

Your vision before you buy.

-Tiffani Michalenko

HSR Certified Home Stager & Expert eDesigner

Keep the Clutter Away... the IKEA Way!

Top 9 IKEA Products to Help You Stay Organized

Whether you are preparing your home for sale or just need some organization in your life, IKEA is a great store to turn to for inspiration and affordable home organization products.

Blending form with function, IKEA has a long standing reputation for helping their loyal customers stay organized with simple yet unique, affordable, and trending solutions. Here are my top 9 favorites to help you stay clutter-free!

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Snidad

Source: Ikea.com

I LOVE the Snidad basket! It is adorable, lightweight, and becomes a central place to store items like blankets or pillows. The beautiful craftsmanship makes this basket the perfect choice to use in an entryway or even in a bathroom to hold towels!

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Lubban

Source: Ikea.com

Rattan has made a comeback! This trending material is a great way to invite nature in your home. I like this Lubban cart because it can be wheeled around whenever you need it. The cart could easily be used as a serving cart or even as a storage solution for your home office. The possibilities are truly endless with this stylish cart.

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Hemnes

Source: Ikea.com

Is it a cabinet? Is it drawers?

You’re in for a surprise when you open up the doors to find double shoe compartments inside! This gem is not only a secret hidden shoe rack, but the top compartment could easily store your face masks, keys, and other daily essentials. Say goodbye to entryway clutter and hello to this space-saving Hemnes cabinet!

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Lurpassa

Source: Ikea.com

My favorite part about these adorable baskets are that they are perfect for storing smaller items. The Lurpassa boxes would be great to use in a media stand, kids playroom, for pantry storage, or even for office supplies. Ikea really thought of everything when it comes to these little beauties because they are designed to be stackable!

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Saxborga

Source: Ikea.com

Storing items in jars allows you to see what is inside the vessel making it easier to find what you are looking for. The Saxborga jars look great and are extremely versatile. The jars can be used individually, stacked or grouped thanks to the cork lids and tray that keep them in place. No matter where you use this collection, you’ll be able to effortlessly turn your everyday items into decor!

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Skubb

Source: Ikea.com

If you are looking for an under the bed storage solution, the Skubb is for you! This box could also be used in a wardrobe or chest of drawers to help you organize belts, socks, scarves, ties, and jewelry. The handles on all sides make it easy to pull out and reposition however you want. The box can be folded flat and stored when not in use.

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Signum

Source: Ikea.com

Tuck all those annoying cords away with the Signum. No one wants to see or get tangled up in dangling cords, so I like that Ikea came up with a simple solution for home offices. I could see this being used for entertainment centers too. The Signum collects your cables and cords together making it easier to keep your work area tidy.

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Dragan

Source: Ikea.com

Bring some warmth into your home with these bamboo Dragan storage boxes. With their sleek clean lines, the boxes nestle into one another and keep small items at bay. They could be uses in a bathroom for makeup or hair accessories or if you are a crafter, they would be great for organizing your smaller craft supplies.

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Kubbis

Source: Ikea.com

Maximize your vertical wall space with the Kubbis. Featuring seven hooks, you can hang all the things! Use this anywhere in your home, even in damp indoor areas like the bathroom. The wall hooks make for a great entryway storage solution for bags, face masks, or the dog leash!

Cut Through the Clutter

Ikea offers so many organizational products that I had a difficult time narrowing my list down to just nine! View all of my favorites, by simply downloading your own curated shopping list below.

Favorite Organization Finds At IKEA

Gain access to the curated list of our favorite Ikea organization finds sure to help you keep your home clutter free!

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Need a little extra help with how to stay organized? Download a free copy of Three Steps to Less Is More and Loving What You Have.

I will walk you through how to let go of unnecessary processions that may be weighing you down.

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Have a question about your home and want to chat? Schedule a FREE 30-minute Discovery Call with me.

-Tiffani Michalenko

HSR Certified Home Stager & Expert eDesigner

3 Designer Tips to Easily Refresh Your Space

Updating Throw Pillows is my top recommendation to quickly and affordably refresh your home! Swapping out a throw pillow cover is one of the easiest ways to change up the look of your space and give it a fresh new look!

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When it comes to changing out your throw pillows in a Living Room, I recommend keeping the large pieces in your room (sofa, chairs, ottomans, etc.) neutral or even a solid so that the throw pillow updates are easy to change when the mood strikes and not to mention are super affordable! You could potentially update your rooms seasonally, yearly, or as often as you like by switching up the throw pillows. You could really spruce things up by adding a new area rug and a few statement accessories!

If you are bored with your bedroom decor, the same concept applies. If the headboard and base bedding are fairly neutral, you could switch up the pillows, duvet, and other accessories to completely change the look!

Let’s Talk Pillows

Tip #1:

Always… I mean always check to see if the pillow cover you are ordering comes with an insert or not. You will end up with a disappointing surprise when the package arrives at your doorstep to only find a small flat package instead of a larger box!

When selecting a pillow insert, a great rule of thumb is to size up by 2 inches. Doing so will allow your pillows to look fuller and clean instead of saggy or wrinkly. Plus you’ll be able to karate chop them to make those pointy dog ears!

Size up when it comes to ordering your duvet inserts too! Using a King duvet insert inside of a Queen duvet cover makes for a super overstuffed fluffy bed of dreams!

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Tip #2:

Mix it up with patterns and textures!

The results will be more sophisticated and visually interesting. Incorporate the Interior Design Principles scale, color, and texture into your combinations.

An example would be to start with either a solid or a large scale pattern. Next, layer in a smaller scale geometric or floral pattern. Lastly, complete your look with a bold pattern, solid, or textured pillow. The possibilities are endless!

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Tip #3:

The Art of a Polished Arrangement

Symmetrical pillow arrangements work well in more formal settings. A matchy-matchy pillow arrangement is sometimes necessary in order to create visual balance.

If your space is a bit less fussy, try out an asymmetrical pillow arrangement. You might be surprised by the outcome of a more interesting arrangement from varying the throw pillow sizes.

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Incorporating fresh new throw pillows can instantly update your decor.

Are You Ready to Refresh Your Look?

Shop all the pillows shown right here…

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-Tiffani Michalenko

HSR Certified Home Stager & Expert eDesigner

What’s your favorite pillow combo? I’d love to hear from you!

5 Tips To Repurpose Everyday Decor into Festive Holiday Decorations

Fall in Love with Your Holiday Home

The holidays are right around the corner, and I for one can’t wait to decorate my own home for the holidays. I love the nostalgic feeling I get when my decorated tree is lit and filled with ornaments from over the years. The stockings are hung from the mantle and everything feels so comforting.

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Do you have boxes upon boxes of Christmas decorations that you are tired of sorting through? Does your holiday decor contrast with your home decor? Is spending money on new decorations not an option for you?

Let’s take a look at some examples of how day-to-day decor items that you may already have can be transformed into gorgeous Christmas decorations.

1. Baskets

Baskets are the one versatile item that I use on the regular. They can store cozy blankets, firewood, little Christmas trees, or even beautiful red Poinettas.

In the example below, you can see how simple it is to fill a basket with Christmas tree clippings, logs, and lights!

2. Jars

Whether or not you love to preserve or pickle, I’m sure you can pull out a few canning jars from tucked away in a cabinet. Most DIYers know that classic glass vessels are great for projects throughout every season. Using canning jars in your Christmas decor not only is versatile, but inexpensive. From kids snow globes to Christmas presents, these handy little glass jars offer so many possibilities.

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3. Crates

Creating a hot cocoa station is super easy, just gather an old crate, containers you have on hand, and your best mugs! Cut greenery and cinnamon sticks have been tied to the mugs to add extra holiday pizazz along with the fresh scent of cinnamon. Fill your containers with hot cocoa mix, tiny marshmallows, and any other toppings for hot cocoa on those chilly days!

4. Cake Stands

Chances are you have at least one cake stand, maybe one handed down from a family member. Pull it out and use it as a table centerpiece! Simple white candles surrounded by a wreath or garland make for an elegant tablescape.

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5. Apothecary Jars

Apothecary jars look great filled with classic red and white decorations. How easy is that? Clean out your apothecary jars from your bathroom and fill them with festive candy, bows, or even ornaments. Voila! Simple yet festive entryway decor.

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I hope these ideas inspire your inner DIYer self and fill you with holiday cheer! Have fun repurposing what you already have. Your home will feel fresh and renewed.

I wish you and your family a very safe and happy holiday season.

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Santa has Elves… You have ME!

Professional Holiday Decorating Services will help you create a gorgeous backdrop for all your family traditions.

Ready to redefine your existing holiday decor? Get started by scheduling a FREE 30-minute Zoom Discovery Call.

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-Tiffani Michalenko

HSR Certified Home Stager & Expert eDesigner

Powder Room Makeover

Shabby Chic Meets Rustic

When we moved into our new home just north of Charlotte, North Carolina, I knew one of our renovation projects was going to be our powder room. This half bath was filled with boring builder-grade fixtures. The Designer in me just couldn’t handle all this blah…

Powder Room Before Photo

In my home, you would find decor that has a mix of antiques passed down through our family, modern transitional furniture, a little bit of farmhouse, and a mix of rustic charm. I call it Shabby Chic meets Rustic!

Shabby Chic consists of feminine decor, while Rustic style often appears masculine. Both are casual styles with an antique look and feel, making it easy to blend the two.

Blanket used for wall color inspiration.

My husband and I both agreed on using blue as an accent color throughout our home. We chose Sherwin Williams Granite Peak SW6250, which I color matched to one of our living room throw blankets. We used this paint color for an accent wall in our living room as well as the interior side of our front door. It’s gorgeous and works well with our Sherwin Williams Agreeable Gray SW7029 walls and mixed wood-tone LVT flooring. 

Interior side of our front door painted SW6250.

Powder rooms are areas where you can go BOLD and make a statement. We decided on painting the walls the Granite Peak Blue and update the boring builder-grade fixtures. 

Below are my 2D Vision Boards for our bathroom. I put this together as a way to visualize our bathroom fixtures before we committed to purchasing items. This also allowed me to explain my overall concept to my husband and make sure he was on board with my ideas.

Click here to find out more information about our eDesign services

The Plan

When I first started planning out this bathroom design I came across a farmhouse sink furniture style vanity with a beautiful marble top. The white cabinetry contrasts the dark blue walls and fills the awkward space much better than the original pedestal sink. The farmhouse sink set the stage for the overall concept of blending two styles together. 

The widest wall in our bathroom to the right of the toilet needed something amazing to fill that space. We originally found reclaimed wood that we considered installing, but after researching the heck out of this process and calculating the costs, we felt that the wood accent wall would be too time-consuming and expensive for a space that is not a main living area in our home.

Side note, it’s important to coordinate your fixed fixtures in any bathroom to create cohesion and show thoughtful intention while designing. “One thing that’s true about ‘matchy-matchy’ decorating is that the fixed finishes in your bathroom – in other words, anything that you can’t just pick up and take out of the room – should in actual fact, match.” - source Maria Killiam

Plumbing

We coordinated the new Moen Halle faucet with the Moen Halle towel ring and toilet paper holder all in brushed nickel. 

Light Fixtures 

I chose two different styles of light fixtures to further blend Shabby Chic and Rustic together. The vanity light has a rustic Edison bulb mason jar feeling about it while the orb mini pendant light is elegant and feminine. Both fixtures are brushed nickel driving home the juxtaposition of the two different styles. 

Powder Room After Photos

Accents 

Mirror: The vanity mirror is elegant with curvy lines contrasting the straight lines of the farmhouse vanity. I could have kept the original oval mirror and it would have worked out fine, but I really wanted to have a showstopper mirror! 

Artwork: The flower canvas painting was the very first item I purchased from the Going Out of Business sale at Pier 1. I liked the colors and knew that I wanted to use a shade of blue in the bathroom, so this painting really served as my inspiration piece. 

Wall Shelf: The wall shelf has a natural-colored wood tone top with distressed white metal corbels. I thought this shelf worked well because it of its overall size, it adds a natural wood element to the room, and could be used in either a Shabby Chic or a Rustic setting.

Shutters: The two white primitive shutters were locally sourced at an antique mall. I instantly fell in love with them and knew they were the perfect solution for the widest wall in our awkwardly shaped powder room. I think the bright white chippy paint accentuates the vanity cabinet nicely. The straight lines found in the diamond shapes are interesting and contrast nicely against the curvy lines of the vanity mirror and orb pendant light. 

So what do you think about Shabby Chic and Rustic design styles working together in this Powder Room?

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Tiffani Michalenko

HSR Certified Home Stager & Expert eDesigner

5 Steps to Effectively Design Your Home Office

What if working from home goes on forever?

As daunting as that may sound, remote work is surprisingly productive — leading many employers to wonder if they’ll ever go back to the office.

If you have been working from home and will continue to do so for the foreseeable future, it may be worthwhile to update your home office and make it work for you. Working in an environment that brings joy and inspires you will help you stay on task and contributes to greater productivity.

Follow These Steps When Designing Your Home Office

Do you already know what your personal design style is? Great! You are ready to skip ahead and follow our recommended five steps.

If you aren’t sure what your personal design style is, take my fun home office design style quiz at the end of this post!

No matter what your personal design style is, here are five steps to consider that will help you achieve a functional and aesthetically pleasing workspace.

1. Stay Organized

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Before you stockpile organizational bins and file cabinets, put some thought into how you actually organize. If you already scan your receipts and keeps things digitally, why buy a filing cabinet? You have the flexibility of creating your workspace the way you need it. Do it in a way that will work for you long term.

2. Elevate Your Thinking

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Even the smallest home office can be fully stocked with great decor and organizational solutions. The trick is to think up. Maximize your vertical square footage by adding floating shelves or installing wall cabinets. Fill them with useful bins alongside colorful books or meaningful artwork.

3. Let There Be Light

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Sufficient lighting makes work easier. We strain our eyes staring at screens most of the day. Don't make it worse by limiting lighting in your home office. Use natural lighting as much as possible, but make sure to supplement where it falls short.

A well-lit office is a happy, productive one.

4. Cut The Cord Clutter

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One of the worst things about offices is all the tech clutter that accumulates. You probably need your computer and printer, but that doesn't mean you have to stare at cord tangles all day. Take steps to free your home of cord clutter. Mount a power strip underneath or on the back of your desk. Use cable ties and command hooks to wrangle any cords that get plugged into that power strip and feed them along the back of furniture out of sight. You'll be amazed at how removing that eyesore of cords will make your office feel clean and bright.

5. Make Yourself At Home

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Your office is an extension of your home. It should look and feel like one. Decorate with the same themes you've used in your house and incorporate items you love. Don't limit yourself just because this is a workspace. You'll be more productive in a room that brings joy, so why not put some extra care into creating an office that feels like home?

What is Your Home Office Design Style?

Find out now by taking this fun quiz.

Looking for some professional design advice for your home office? Schedule your FREE 30-minute Design Discovery Call with us.

Want more tips for creating an ergonomic home office? Check out my blog post on ergonomic home offices.

-Tiffani Michalenko

HSR Certified Home Stager & Expert eDesigner

Mid-Century Modern Living Room on a Budget

With a fresh yet retro vibe, Mid-Century Modern never goes out of style. Unlike other aesthetic movements, Mid-Century Modern decor is streamlined in design, as form follows function while highlighting the materials used, rather than making them something they aren’t.

Achieve the Look

Even on the tightest of budgets it is possible to achieve the retro look and feel of Mid-Century Modern design, and I’m going to show you how.

In the example below sourced from Bassett Furniture, streamlined furniture juxtaposed with natural elements highlight a mixture of natural finishes, cool black tones, different textures, and varying metallics. I totaled up the main components of this room, and to purchase everything pictured directly from Bassett, you are looking at spending upwards of $7,000. For some, this price tag is a non-issue. As for the rest of us, we would need to take some savvy shortcuts to achieve this look.

*This site contains affiliate links.

On a Budget

Luckily for you, I went ahead sourced a much more budget-friendly version of the same inspirational room. The foundational elements are still there, but come with a much smaller price tag.

First and foremost, if you are considering updating your living room in any style, I would recommend that you do place a bulk of your budget into investing into pieces like the sofa or coffee table that will get the most use. Investing in quality pieces will give you peace of mind that they will withstand day to day wear and tear. Accent furniture is easily replaced once they’ve seen better days or you just tire of the look all together.

Sofa

In my Budget-Friendly version I found the strikingly streamlined gray Lyman Sofa from Ashley Furniture for a fraction of the price of the inspirational sofa.

Accent Chairs

AllModern.com is my go to source for all things Mid-Century Modern. I found the Siddhesh Armchair with an authentic retro finish and unique open-framed arm design for $490 each.

Coffee Table

I swoon over the inspirational coffee table duo! The organic shape and visual weight the two tables add to the example living room are spot on. After tirelessly searching for a suitable dynamic duo with a more reasonable price point, I came up short. My solution though is this tapered Kaylah Coffee Table in a beautiful wood tone. I think this table would add the same visual weight and interest as the table in the example, but at a much more reasonable price. Serving as an investment piece, the alternative coffee table I found would be a splurge item in this scenario.

Side Table

I love, love, love the organic Tori Side Table that I came across on AllModern. I think I love it even more than the round table barely visible between the two accent chairs in the example photo! I would also recommend repeating a similar wood tone as the coffee table to bring natural warmth into the space.

Cow Hide

Use an area rug whenever possible to ground the seating arrangement. In the example photo the gorgeous natural cow hide area rug adds a layer of soft texture on top of the natural jute area rug. Cow hides can be very expensive though. An alternative to a natural cow hide rug is the Faux Cow Hide Rug which is soft plus easy to maintain.

Mirror Mirror on the Wall

A 48” diameter mirror would make a dramatic statement in any room! The example mirror has more of an oil rubbed bronze finish which is quite nice, however I think I would repeat the black finish found on the frame of the accent chairs. I sourced an elegant black metal framed Eternity Mirror which costs roughly $230, a steal considering the large scale of the mirror!

Pillows

Throw pillows have a way of tying a room together. You can easily add pillows that are understated or whimsical. If you purchase quality pillow inserts, you can swap out inexpensive pillow covers seasonally or however often as you like. In my budget-friendly comparison design, I opted for black pillow covers with modern white stripes from Woven Nook. I think it is important to mix things up a bit and make the design work for the end user.

I’d love to hear your thoughts on how my budget-friendly Mid-Century Modern living room design measures up to the inspirational room?!

Tiffani Michalenko

HSR Certified Home Stager & Expert eDesigner

Staging Essentials for Quick Home Updates

Products Every Seller Should Buy

Modernizing is a key element in home staging and the most effective way to modernize a space is to add some key staging accessories that help to update each room.  Usually after the home staging consultation I will create a home staging props shopping list for the seller. I recommend seller’s to purchase items that will go a LONG WAY in updating the home and attracting the best offer possible.

To make things easier for any seller planning to put their house on the market, I have curated a 6-page shopping list of essential home staging props.

Disclosure: This website contains affiliate links.

Everyday Decor

What room can't benefit from a large jute rug, fresh new pillows, more lighting and fiddle leaf tree?

These simple, yet updated staging accessories are usually the missing piece in a living space.  Make sure to go large on the floor rugs, so that every front leg of your furniture touches it.  

Amazon is my go-to place for awesome pillows, so have fun exploring for that perfect, pillow combination.  

Entryway Accessories

Every home can benefit from a new doormat, attractive vases, mirrors, and serving trays (find out why I love serving trays so much in my blog post all about trays).

The 37-inch circular mirror can work in any home and multiple spaces to add additional light, use over a fireplace, in an entryway or go over a bathroom vanity.  At $140 from Amazon, this mirror has over 500 five star reviews!

The large jute storage baskets are another extremely versatile item that can add much-needed texture to any space for a mere $30 bucks on Amazon.

Kitchen Essentials

Most kitchens lack warmth and personality because they are filled with hard finishes.  Never clear every counter and try and sell a bare kitchen!  Since the kitchen is a huge selling opportunity for the home seller it becomes even more critical to carefully stage counter vignettes that add texture and warmth.

I personally love the look of cookbooks sitting upright on a kitchen counter, a bowl of fresh fruit and brand new woven dish towels or table runner.  White accessories denote cleanliness, so using white home staging props will help to make the clean connection for buyers.  These small, inexpensive additions go a long way in creating a clean, natural atmosphere.

In this Kitchen, I repositioned the white canisters and added a more interesting vignette next to the stovetop. To draw attention to the island, I added a pretty white serving dish topped with a fruit stand (the bright yellow lemons and green limes are fake by the way), a cheerful white and yellow plaid dish towel, and some fresh flowers.

Bedroom Basics

Bedrooms are so personal, that it can be discomforting walking into another person's boudoir for a buyer...especially if the bedding is old and tired looking.

Adding white bedding enlarges the space and gives it a fresh, clean feel in any bedroom.

Bathroom Essentials

Bathrooms are similar to bedrooms in that they are intensely personal, so using white and having it immaculate will never scare off buyers.  Use a serving tray to anchor a vignette on the counter.  Fresh white, fluffy towels stacked by the tub and greenery gives the space that spa-like feeling.

Coffee Table Vignette

Building beautiful vignettes or what I call "emotional connection points" in each room of the home takes an extreme eye for design. I built a perfect coffee table vignette that is easy for you to purchase and build on your own.

Find this along with all of the other products in our 6-page curated Shopping List.

Quick Updates Help Sell Homes

Even if you are selling your home on the tightest of budgets, these many items valued in total at around $1250 will make a $12,500 difference in the value of the home.

Buyers are looking for stylish decor and statistically will pay more for homes that have updated decor, so spending a bit on these versatile accessories will be an investment in the sale of the home. Not to mention, you can reuse them in your brand new home!

#homestaging #homedecor #essentials Source

Want even more Quick Update Ideas? Check out Best Sellers from Amazon.com.

Download a FREE copy of this curated shopping list filled with our go-to Staging Essentials that are sure to quickly update your home.

This includes 6-pages worth of shopping links!

-Tiffani Michalenko

HSR Certified Home Stager & Expert eDesigner