We’ve All Seen House Tours Filled With Impractical Pieces, but Interior Designer Michelle R. Smith Is Still Betting on Utility

Home staging has become an increasingly important strategy for selling properties quickly and at a higher price point. Meridith Baer, a luxury home-staging expert, founded her company over 25 years ago after an unexpected staging of a friend's home led to a sale significantly above the asking price. Her company, Meridith Baer Home, now stages approximately 2,000 houses annually across multiple major US cities, employing 350 staff members. While the company has handled properties valued up to $200 million, Baer emphasizes that home staging can benefit any property seller, regardless of the asking price. The investment in professional home staging typically ranges from $787 to $2,837, though costs can vary based on furniture rentals and property size. This investment often yields substantial returns; a 2021 survey by the National Association of Realtors indicated that 82% of buyers' agents believe home staging helps buyers envision themselves in a home. Furthermore, Realtor.com reported in 2023 that staged homes sell 88% faster and for an average of 20% more than non-staged homes. Baer provides ten practical design tips to enhance a home's appeal to prospective buyers. First, collaborate with a broker to identify the target buyer demographic, as staging can be tailored to appeal to specific groups, such as families or single professionals. Second, declutter spaces extensively, removing unnecessary items to create an impression of ease and spaciousness. For instance, in children's rooms, most toys should be stored away, leaving only a few out. Third, organize closets by color and remove unused clothing to make them appear more streamlined and appealing. Fourth, remove personal items like family photos and heirlooms, allowing potential buyers to visualize their own lives in the space rather than being distracted by the current owner's personal history. Fifth, strategically introduce aesthetically pleasing personal touches, such as fresh fruit bowls or flowers in the kitchen, ensuring these elements contribute positively to the overall aesthetic. Sixth, invest in fresh linens and towels, as these relatively inexpensive items can significantly elevate the perceived quality of a bathroom or bedroom. Seventh, replace store-bought product bottles with neutral glass ones for shampoo, soap, and other visible items to achieve a more cohesive and high-end look. Eighth, maximize natural light by removing heavy draperies or curtains during the day and employing ambient lighting with dimmers in the evenings. Ninth, apply a fresh coat of neutral-colored paint. This is an affordable way to make a significant impact, with whites and off-whites being ideal choices to ensure the space remains versatile and allows other elements to stand out. Finally, style bookshelves carefully by decluttering them and arranging decorative items and books to add personality. If books have brightly colored covers, consider wrapping them or turning them backward to maintain a neutral aesthetic. These tips collectively aim to create an inviting, depersonalized, and spacious environment that resonates with a broad range of potential buyers. #HomeStaging #RealEstate #HomeSellingTips #InteriorDesign #Decluttering #HomeDecor #PropertyMarketing #MeridithBaerHome #DesignTips

This article explores the favorite home items of various interior designers, offering insights into products they would repeatedly purchase and tips on how to incorporate them into personal living spaces. Kimberly Bevan from Bevan Interiors highlights the Design Within Reach Rice Paper Shade, praising its ambient glow, large-scale buoyancy despite its size, and versatility across modern and traditional settings, all at an accessible price point. She advises light feather dusting for maintenance. Emily Vaughan of Emily Vaughan Interiors recommends the BlueStar Range, a professional-grade appliance acquired during a 1952 home renovation. She values its open burners for even high-temperature cooking, easy-to-clean cast iron cooktop, and capacity for two full-size sheet pans, noting that colorful appliance options could enhance cohesion in a kitchen. Shelagh Conway from Triple Heart Design values the Maison Distressed Black Oak 4-Door Buffet Sideboard as a substantial dresser that provides a grounding element in her large bedroom, adapting to various design changes. She suggests embracing black in bedrooms for a calming effect, often mixing it with other wood tones for textural depth. Byron Risdon of Byron Risdon Interior Design Studio endorses West Elm Luxe Chenille Throws for their softness, luxury, and durability, making them suitable for both guests and daily use. He looks for comfort, softness, and durability in throws, suggesting a size that covers the body without being overly large. Ariel Richardson, lead designer at ASR Design Studio, praises the Miele Washer and Dryer for its compact, stackable design, efficient cleaning cartridges, and ventless drying technology, which allows for flexible placement. She emphasizes the environmental and clothing benefits of front-load washers. Tamara Honey of House of Honey finds the Disco Ball to be an instant mood transformer, recommending its placement near a window to enhance the magical effect of glimmering lights. Aimee Meisgeier from AM Interior Design favors the Beta Modular Sofa for its deep comfort, modular customization, and corduroy fabric, which is both cozy and practical for pet owners. She advises measuring the space and defining needs before purchasing a modular sofa. Linette Dai of Linette Dai Design cherishes the CB2 Muse Smoked Coupe Glass for its chic design and modern aesthetic, using it for both cocktails and sparkling water. She suggests pairing coupe glasses with bite-sized snacks in sculptural dishes. She also appreciates the CB2 Suspend Walnut & Marble Media Console for its natural elements, beautiful walnut veneer, marble top, and practical storage. She advocates for minimalist styling of console tops with essential, functional decor. Azali Kassum of Azali Kassum Design collects Victoria Morris's ceramics, specifically the Large Gourd Vase in Ivory, for its unique handmade flair and sculptural elegance. She advises hand-washing ceramics with gentle soap and air-drying in the sun. Gina Gutierrez from Gina Rachelle Design recommends the Joss & Main Tellis Marble Picture Frame for its classic and timeless appeal, versatility in size and finish, and ability to fill empty spaces. She applies the “rule of three” for styling. Sarah Rinehart Fleischer of SRF Interiors finds joy in Dana Bell's painting, “Dancing on Yellow, 2001,” for its bold colors and perfect fit in an awkward wall space. She suggests keeping room measurements handy for online art purchases. Lorna Gross, CEO of LORNA GROSS Interior Design, finds the Jo Malone Lime Basil & Mandarin Home Scented Candle to be a constant source of calm. She advises keeping candle lids on to prevent dust and burn marks, and lighting kitchen candles after meals. Nadia Watts of Nadia Watts Interior Design highlights the Kartell Pilastro Stool for its unique lines, interesting shape, and multi-functional use as a side table, footstool, or extra seating. She prefers furniture that is both artistic and functional. Brianna Untener of Brianna Scott Interiors loves the Serena & Lily Milo Alpaca Throw for its softness, luxury, and year-round coziness. She prefers displaying throws on chairs to visually unify a room. Shauna Glenn of Shauna Glenn Design trusts the Annie Selke Paint Chip Multi Hand Micro-Hooked Wool Rug for its durability in high-traffic areas and ease of cleaning. She emphasizes regular vacuuming and shaking of wool rugs. Joni Burden of J. Banks Design favors the Gabby Laura Swivel Chair for its timeless elegance, compact size, comfort, and versatility. She appreciates swivel chairs in family rooms for their adaptability. Isabel Ladd of Isabel Ladd Interiors consistently uses Palmer Green Paint by Benjamin Moore, describing it as a deep, rich green with yellow undertones that acts as a neutral in maximalist aesthetics. She recommends using tinted primer and considering the desired ambiance when choosing green paint. Ariel Richardson also champions Ruggable Rugs for their durability, washability, and stain-repelling properties, making them ideal for households with pets and children. She advises washing on a delicate cycle with cold water and low heat drying. Abby Gruman of Abby Leigh Designs chose the Artistic Frame Studio Side Chair for its cane and wood contrast, modern flair, and traditional essence, valuing it for family gatherings. She notes the current trend of cane in unexpected furniture pieces. Laetitia Laurent of Laure Nell Interiors transformed her family room with Phillip Jeffries 9190: Beat Wallpaper, creating a living mural that unifies the space and encourages creative endeavors. She suggests regular dusting and occasional wiping for wallpaper maintenance. Alex Yeske of Alex Yeske Interiors appreciates The Rush House Original Rug, a natural fiber seagrass rug, for its warmth, texture, softness, and customizable, replaceable squares. She recommends vacuuming on a lighter setting and blotting stains for natural fiber rugs. Marie Cloud of Indigo Pruitt Design Studio values the Breville Barista Touch Espresso Machine for its combination of functionality and quality, including an integrated burr grinder and steam wand. She suggests creating a dedicated coffee station. Paige Blodgett Scher of Paige Blodgett Interiors painted her entryway with Bancha Paint by Farrow & Ball to define and warm the small space, praising its yellow undertones and dramatic effect. She advises choosing darker shades to add depth to small areas. Cynthia Lananh of Cynthia Lananh treasures the Le Labo Santal 26 Classic Candle for its neutral, sophisticated scent and elevated packaging. She suggests pairing candles with design-savvy accessories. Brittany Hakimfar of Far Studio considers the Zip Water HydroTap Celsius All-in-One Water Filter Faucet her most beloved appliance for its instant still, sparkling, hot, and cold water delivery in luxurious finishes. She recommends classic chrome or matte black for contemporary kitchens and living brass for traditional ones. Finally, Lina Galvão of Curated Nest loves the Scout Design Studio Promenade Sofa for its approachable style, sculptural arms, comfort, and forgiving fabric. She notes that for modern, sculptural sofas, one might forgo pillows to let the shape shine. #InteriorDesign #HomeDecor #DesignerPicks #HomeFurnishings #DecoratingTips #ApplianceRecommendations #Textiles #ArtAndAccessories #PaintColors

Home renovation and real estate reality shows, while widely popular for their entertainment value, often present an unrealistic and potentially detrimental view of home improvement. These shows, such as "House Hunters" or "Property Brothers," follow a rigid formula that offers predictable entertainment but frequently misrepresents the realities of the real estate and renovation process. They tend to create a disconnect between viewer expectations and actual costs, timelines, and effort required for home projects. A significant issue with these programs is their unrealistic portrayal of budgets and project timelines. The budgets discussed on screen are often supplemented by special deals from suppliers seeking product placement, making them unattainable for the average homeowner. Additionally, the shows compress renovation timelines, making complex projects appear quick and effortless, despite unforeseen complications like mold or structural issues. The work itself, often depicted as managed by one or two charming hosts, is typically carried out by a much larger team behind the scenes. Furthermore, the upgrades showcased can be superficial, sometimes involving low-quality materials and workmanship, leading to long-term issues and financial burdens for homeowners who attempt to replicate these renovations based on television portrayals. Beyond the practical inaccuracies, these shows can negatively impact viewers' happiness and perceptions of their own homes. Constant exposure to seemingly perfect, television-ready homes can induce anxiety and dissatisfaction with one's current living space. The pressure to maintain or achieve a certain aesthetic, often driven by concerns about resale value, can overshadow the enjoyment and comfort of one's own home. Moreover, the practice of "hate-watching," where viewers derive pleasure from criticizing the choices of participants on these shows, contributes to negative emotions rather than fostering a positive outlook. From a social and relational perspective, home improvement shows frequently reinforce outdated and conservative gender roles and relationship dynamics. Episodes often feature clichés, such as a budget-conscious man and a woman focused on closet space, engaging in petty arguments. Renovation shows often portray a 'goofy' male contractor and an 'eye-rolling' female designer, perpetuating stereotypes rather than presenting diverse and realistic interactions. This reinforces a bland and predictable vision of modern life, devoid of authentic and varied human experiences. Lastly, these programs contribute to a homogenization of interior design. HGTV and similar networks often promote a specific aesthetic, characterized by open concepts, shiplap, and grey color palettes. This consistent visual messaging trains audiences to view this particular style as desirable, leading many homeowners to replicate it. The result is a proliferation of homes that look eerily similar, lacking individuality and personal expression. This trend can leave homeowners feeling like they are living in a generic space, potentially leading to dissatisfaction. While home renovation can be an investment, prioritizing a 'magazine-ready' look over personal comfort and genuine enjoyment of one's living space is an unusual approach to life. Therefore, while home improvement shows can be entertaining in moderation, it is crucial to recognize their potential negative influences on personal well-being, financial expectations, and design choices. #HomeImprovement #RealityTV #HomeRenovation #InteriorDesign #FinancialExpectations #PsychologicalImpact #MediaLiteracy #ConsumerAdvice

This article features an interview with Meredith Sherrill, founder of Meredith Sherrill Design, presenting her as an 'Interior Designer Crush.' Sherrill's design philosophy is rooted in the ancient Japanese aesthetic of Wabi Sabi, embracing imperfection, impermanence, and incompleteness. This is reflected in her use of natural materials, subdued color schemes, and a focus on simplicity in form and function. She often incorporates quirky asymmetrical elements to balance otherwise symmetrical spaces, avoiding a sense of artificial perfection. Sherrill highlights the importance of local sourcing for her projects in Birmingham, Alabama. She procures local Alabama marble for countertops and reclaimed oak or cypress for flooring and cabinetry. The city's vibrant artisan community also allows her to collaborate with skilled craftsmen for custom furniture pieces made from wood, steel, glass, and upholstered materials. For other decor items, she frequents local shops such as Circa, Maison, Design Supply, Roman Brantley, Hiltz-Lauber, and Paige Albright, and enjoys exploring antique finds at The Garage. Regarding current design trends and timeless elements, Sherrill expresses her enduring preference for minimal spaces with natural elements. She views brass fixtures as currently popular but believes they can be timeless if used in solid, unlacquered forms and traditional designs. She emphasizes clinging to classical design elements in architectural structures, asserting that proper scale, proportion, balance, and symmetry in a space's 'bones' provide greater flexibility for soft furnishings and decorative choices. When discussing project challenges, Sherrill notes that all projects have their complexities due to the many moving parts and people involved in construction and design. She finds the most rewarding challenges arise from collaborating with other 'right-brained' individuals like painters, chefs, or photographers. These collaborations push her creative boundaries and encourage her to think beyond conventional solutions to meet unique client needs. Sherrill finds professional joy in clients feeling happy and comfortable in their finished homes, as creating functional and livable spaces is her ultimate goal. She particularly enjoys space planning and renovation projects, finding satisfaction in reimagining dysfunctional floor plans and solving spatial puzzles. This process of transforming existing spaces to better suit client needs provides a sense of accomplishment. The Birmingham design scene is unique, according to Sherrill, due to its wealth of architectural treasures, both old and new. She values the ability to physically observe and study the scale and details of diverse architectural styles in person, which she believes offers a more profound understanding than images alone. Her inspiration comes from creative individuals who encourage new perspectives and, significantly, from travel, where she collects details like shutter colors, light fixtures, and everyday objects. Mentors who influenced her career include architects Paul Bates and Jeremy Corkern from Bates Corkern Studio, where she began after design school. She also credits her internship at McAlpine Booth and Ferrier (now McAlpine) in Nashville, where Bobby McAlpine and Ray Booth instilled in her the importance of attention to detail. Her design philosophy is encapsulated in five words: Clean, Comfortable, Functional, Lovely, and Intriguing. #InteriorDesign #MeredithSherrill #DesignAesthetics #WabiSabi #LocalSourcing #HomeDecor #DesignTrends #ArchitecturalDesign #BirminghamDesign #CreativeProcess #SpacePlanning