The Winter Cozies Are Setting in And We Think It’s the Perfect Time to Talk About Home Staging!
While design tastes change much like years and decades do, there’s one part of the equation that stands the test of time: impeccable interior design + your new listing = a desirable and buyable home. From Feng Shui to Hygge, painting a vision of how one can live in a house will often draw someone to turn dreams into reality. So put on your slippers, wrap up in a blanket, and meet one of our favorite local interior designers.
Giving buyers a vision of what their home could look and feel like is what sells.
First up, can you introduce yourself and your business?
Carrie: “My name is Carrie Butler and I am the owner of Haven Interiors, located in Whatcom County. I started Haven in 2017 with a mission ‘to give people the courage to dream, create and fully live in their own home’. I do both, interior decorating and home staging!”
In your opinion, why should someone consider staging when selling their home?
C: “Staging sells! Giving buyers a vision of what their home could look and feel like helps them overcome any possible obstacles and toward the path of ownership. When they can see furniture, decor placement, and the warmth those bring to a room they’re more easy to jump on the thought ‘we could live here which is exactly what we want them thinking! Research shows homes that are staged by professionals sell for a higher price and more quickly than homes that are not. So to me, it's a no-brainer. If you want your house to sell, hire a stager.”
In fact, according to Realtor.com’s research released in March of 2019, “83% of buyer’s agents said staging a home made it easier for a buyer to visualize the property as a future home.”
What made you fall in love with interior decorating?
C: “I am passionate about creating beautiful, functional spaces, whether it's for a homeowner who needs a fresh look or someone unknown looking for a new place to call theirs.
One of my favorite quotes is by British textile designer, William Morris, who said, ‘Have nothing in your houses that you do not know to be useful or believe to be beautiful.’
I try to live by this in my own home while helping others reach that goal in theirs. Home is really important to me, being the space we live life out of. If it's not a place we're inspired by and functional in our day-to-day, it can actually wreak havoc on our souls. My hope with staging and decorating is to give people a sense of peace and delight when they walk into a room. I want them to love coming home.”
What would you say your decorating aesthetic is?
C: “It's extremely eclectic! One of my recent obsessions is old artwork, mostly Old English paintings that I find at antique shops. But I also have a very modern couch and blush pink chairs in my living room - so it's all over the place.
In the name of being functional AND beautiful, I don't put anything up in my house that I don't absolutely love. Over the years I've honed in what my "style" is, and it's truly a mix of everything! There is something in almost every era that I appreciate and am drawn to.
I try to encourage my clients to lean into this as much as possible. We don't go too crazy, but I remind people all the time that their style is just that THEIRS. It's ok to draw on the differences, as long as it makes some sense. That's where I come in to help clients stay in line with the overall scheme. But I'm a big fan of putting what you love in your home, no matter what the design world deems as ‘okay’.”
We know you work with real estate clients; what else is in your wheelhouse?
C: “Yes, work with real estate clients and homeowners mainly, but I've also helped builders choose finishes for their projects, which is a lot of fun! I'm really open to working with whoever needs a good eye for design.”
What's been your favorite staging or interior design project so far?
C: Oh, this is tough. For staging, I think it's the one I did recently. It's just a little remodeled house in Blaine, but the layout of the living space is really functional, and the kitchen is gorgeous. There is something special about the house and I hope someone awesome buys it!
For decorating, there was a project I did last year for my chiropractor that was a lot of fun. She had just bought a new house and needed me to help her with almost everything. When I first met her, she didn't have anything in the living room and was using a camp chair to eat dinner on. So, getting to create a design plan for her and see it all come together from furniture purchasing to hanging the last piece of art was really special. Plus, she's just an awesome person so we had a great time working on it together!
And my favorite part about any project is the people. They're the best part about what I do.”
If you could work for any celebrity, who would it be?
C: “Matthew McConaughey”
Same, Carrie. Same.
We’ve thoroughly enjoyed the life Carrie has brought to so many of our listings since Haven launched in 2017, and we can’t wait to see what creativity the next decade holds!
As Carrie so beautifully put it, “Giving buyers a vision for what their home could look and feel like is what sells.”
If you’re considering listing your home, be sure to consider what staging can bring to the table and if Carrie and Haven Interiors is the right fit for you. We highly recommend her.
