By Victoria Guillot • The Cardinal Contributing Writer
As a home stager and interior designer, I see a lot of homes. Most often, I’ve been asked to update spaces. Whether you’re selling your home and want to update to attract more buyers or want a fresh look in the home where you live, you want the house to reflect current tastes. If you’ve been living with your things for a long time, you may want it to feel refreshed and different.
Through the years, I’ve seen certain common scenarios over and over and over again. Let’s use a simple example and talk about the entry foyer.
Here is a “Before” example of a very typical foyer design in Bucks County executive homes that I frequently encounter. Cut-crystal lamps and vases used to read as very formal, but now they risk looking dated when coupled with brown wood. The oil painting is top quality but small compared to the current “bigger is better” design trend. So how do we update this space?
Most people think they must throw out everything and start from scratch to get a new look. I’m here to show you that you don’t have to throw it all out to change the look and feel of a space completely. The power of accessories is tremendous! As a designer who believes in upcycling as much as possible, I love giving new life to old pieces that may be sentimental by changing out the accessories. Let’s take our first example:
We kept the furniture and swapped the accessories for larger, more contemporary items with clean lines. We added drama with color in the art. The smaller pieces from the before image are re-used elsewhere but in different groupings that make them feel fresher. For example, we can move the painting to the powder room, which will be more in proportion and elevate that space.
Here’s another example with a completely different vibe using items inspired by nature:
Here are two more examples that look completely different using the same furniture with more exotic accessories:
Hopefully, these examples have convinced you to look at accessories with a whole new sense of possibilities. Professional designers rely heavily on accessories to bring that special designer’s touch to our projects. Interior designers have access to a staggering array of beautiful items to suit a wide range of budgets.
This month I’ve curated a collection including the accessories shown, granting you special designer trade access. Get access to the best internet pricing by using the shopping links at https://stagecoachservices.com/home-shop. (If you purchase through this link, I will receive a commission at no additional cost to you.)
Victoria Guillot is a home stager/interior designer of 15 years based in Buckingham/Doylestown. A 6-time Best of Houzz winner, she has been featured on a 26-episode radio series and is the author of a book of tips on home staging. If you would like more trade access or would enjoy her decorating or staging assistance, you can find her at stagecoachservices.com.
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