Real Talk, Real Estate:
Interior Design

Owning a home is perhaps the most significant financial and emotional investment you’ll ever make. The experience is exciting and can be overwhelming at times, but asking the right real estate questions, and seeking answers from a trusted team of professionals, will put your mind at ease.

Learn how interior design can play an important role in creating beautiful, functional, spaces throughout your home in this weeks, Real Talk, Real Estate. Plus, discover key trends as we head into 2023!

Real Talk, Real Estate: Interior Design

1. Many Real Estate Agents talk about the importance of staging your home to maximize property value. How does interior design play a role in this process?

There is actually a difference between interior design and staging. The intention behind staging is to depersonalize and neutralize the space, creating flow and appeal to potential buyers. The purpose of interior design is to personalize the home specifically suited to one’s lifestyle.

2. Is renovating before selling my house worth it? What rooms add the most value to a home?

The answer to this question depends on the extent of the renovations. Kitchen and bathrooms can make a big difference if they need updating, however, they also can carry a hefty price tag to do right. Depending on the situation and market, I may advise that sellers forgo major renovations and adjust the asking price to accommodate future renovations. Buyers can then do the updates to their liking.

Home improvements such as fresh paint, updating doors and hardware on cabinets, and replacing carpet with new flooring, can be smaller improvements that can go a long way. Depending on the scenario, I would advise that the seller consider updating foundational pieces such as the heating source (if the furnace is at the end of its lifespan), shingles, garage doors, and exterior windows and doors if needed. In a buyer’s mind, they are more inclined to feel good about purchasing a home with these items done. Then they can focus on any additional renovations inside if need be.

3. Should you work with an interior designer when renovating your home?

Yes!! Especially if you do not feel confident in this area. There is only so much Pinterest can do for inspiration!

4. What advice would you give to someone who is interested in listing their house but doesn’t have the funds to complete some outdated interior design elements before putting it on the market?

Great question – that is where staging comes in! When a seller lists their home with me, I always introduce the designer on my team, CC Interiors. From there, we will tour the home and develop a strategy that will best showcase the property with little to no cost. It will likely include decluttering and possibly moving some furniture. We also have staging furniture and accessories that we include as part of our service if warranted.

5. What are the key interior design trends looking forward to 2023?

We will continue to see a minimal esthetic with clean functional lines, and neutral tones with darker shades of beige. The use of various shades of green is a colour we are seeing used as an accent, including the addition of plants. “Bringing the outside in” is a theme with house plants continuing to be on trend. As many have adapted to a work-from-home lifestyle, flexible solutions are also sought after as people evolve their home and work life.

Mixing the old with the new is another popular look, and a modern vibe with a touch of vintage is another forecasted trend. With that said, we are not giving up comfort! While we gravitate to a more minimal look – the furniture still needs to be comfortable.

I read this recently and it resonated with me, “Our image is made up of not only the way we leave the house but also the way we live”. Interior design is the fashion for our home. Just like when we look good, we feel good…when our home presents a cohesive style that supports our lifestyle, that feels good.

Do you have a real estate question you are seeking advice and guidance on? Let’s connect!

Email Kim Real Estate Question