If I’ve learned anything from my own home renovation (and by working in the homes of others) it’s that good design is timeless. And beautiful styling literally changes everything about a space.
A little more than one year ago while perusing Instagram, I found SPACES Collective, a boutique property styling agency based in Toronto. I remember landing on their feed and instantly swooning over their modern and minimalist approach to style. Every project they shared (and continue to share) was something I wanted to save, Pin and send to my husband to help spark ideas for our own house.
This month, I am so excited to get to share my interview with Natalie Balen-Cinelli + Julia Salerno - the two women behind SPACES Collective.
I have loved getting to know them this past year as I’ve asked them questions about everything from where to find the best faux plants (which they helped me find and I love) to their overall approach to styling modern properties.
So without further adieu, please enjoy this month’s Design Series Feature with Natalie and Julia of SPACES Collective.
Photo credit: SPACES Collective
Q: How do you approach a new space? Where does the styling begin for you?
A: It really depends on the type of project. We stage both occupied and vacant spaces which offer different levels of flexibility in our styling. Often, when working with a client's existing furniture, we try to neutralize the space as much as possible. We bring in new rugs, lamps, greenery, pillows and decor that help finish off a space and that make a big impact. For a condo or model suite, we often start with a floor plan followed by a site visit to ensure the pieces we select are the right size and fit. There is never a one-size-fits all approach as every space is different, but typically with staging, our priority is to ensure the spaces we style always showcase the property to its highest potential. To do this, we like to view the space as a potential buyer would: what are the key features of the home, how will the new buyers' use the space and what is the best layout for each room? The last piece of that puzzle is to identify with the realtor who our key demographic is. For example, if a condo is located in the financial district of a downtown core, it would be completely amiss to stage a bedroom as a nursery. The design of the space must speak to all potential buyers in order to cast the widest net possible and appeal to the most amount of people. First impressions are key in this business as well as sight lines and how the space will appear in photos and all factor in to how we style a space for sale.
Q: What advice would you give to someone who wants to give their existing living room a refresh?
A: The most impactful way to refresh a space is to change out accessories. Rugs make a big difference in a space and can really set the tone. We always recommend purchasing neutral foundation pieces so that if you want to introduce colour to a space, you're not breaking the bank to replace them if you get tired of it. Swapping out a rug, for example, can really transform a space. We love to use ones with lots of texture and ones that are made from natural fibers. Art is another way to make an impactful refresh to a space. And when it comes to accessorizing, we like to layer in different size objects, candles, books and plants.
Photo credit: SPACES Collective
Q: Do you have any styling advice for newbies who are planning to DIY their space and don't have a styling eye? Specifically, anything they should avoid?
A: The best advice is that there are no rules -- you don't need to match your pillows to your curtains and your rug -- so find pieces you love and build on those. Neutrals are always in style and give you the opportunity to introduce colour selectively. Gone are the days of "themed" spaces. Just because you love turquoise, doesnt' mean it should appear on an accent chair, on pillows and in your art. If you want to use your favourite colour in your space, consider finding a great abstract piece with the colour dotted in so that it's not the main focal. Keep all other items in the space neutral and layer in natural elements like wool throws, woven rugs, black and white cozy pillows and wood decor pieces.
Q: What are your thoughts on home organization? Do you find it helps a home sell when it's decluttered and styled?
A: Absolutely! You can't have one without the other. Decluttering and organizing are the first steps when preparing your home for sale. You can style a house beautifully all you want, but if it's not decluttered you don't get that "ahhhhh" feeling when you walk in. A clean and well organized home lets potential buyers know that it has been well-kept and maintained. And well-organized closets can give the illusion of more space. We always recommend reducing closet capacity by at least 45% by removing non-seasonal items and keeping only what's absolutely neccessary for the duration of the sale. Potential buyers want to know your home's closets have enough room in them to store their things, so they'll always take a peek inside.
Photo credit: SPACES Collective
Q: What is your advice to someone thinking about hiring a staging service prior to moving?
A: There's no such thing as too early! You can get a head start with a consult, where a stager will give you tips on what and how to declutter, what items needs to move out to storage or be donated, what paint colours to use and offer advice on small-scale or light renos and repairs that will be most impactful when selling (bathrooms and kitchens are biggies). We also like to recommend replacing out-dated light fixtures. Most of our client's would attest that the majority of work begins before the staging install. Depending on how much work needs to be done to your home, plan for at least 4-6 weeks in advance.
Q: I know that you're based in Toronto but do you ever do any virtual interior styling work? Anything outside of Canada?
A: We haven't! We've had such a crazy year and a half that we've had no time for any design or virtual work.
Be sure and check out the SPACES Collective feed if you haven’t already given them a follow. Their eye for balance and beauty is spot on and their attention to detail is no doubt how they are helping homes in the Toronto area sell fast.
Thanks again Natalie and Julia for all of your tips and insight into what you both do so well. Can’t wait to see more from your upcoming projects!
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