I’ve always appreciated a beautifully styled home.

Even as a kid, I remember my own “oohs” and “ahhs” when I’d walk through a model home - always wishing I had the kid’s room styled with the minimal but sophisticated decor.

Now (a few decades later) I’ve come to the conclusion that those elegantly staged homes impressed me at 10 and continue to impress me now because interiors make all the difference in a home.

This month I am so excited to feature Harmony Young and Laneè Miller of Renew Home Staging & Design. Harmony and Laneè bring both interior design chops and an in-depth knowledge of real estate to their work. They created a growing company in Utah with a team that helps homes sell faster and for more. I had the pleasure of meeting them via social media last year and have been so amazed by their business and eye for styling. I am so excited to share their insight with you this month.

Q: Is there anything unique about the Utah home market right now from your perspective?

L: Not completely unique because other areas are growing as well, but it is very obviously a sellers market that’s going up rapidly.

H: Something interesting is that I did a consultation yesterday in a $400,000 home and then another consultation for a $4M home. Every price point is selling and going for top dollar, and every home sells better with staging.  

Q: What’s one mistake you see homeowners making before they list their homes from a design perspective? Any tips to avoid it?

L: The biggest mistakes people make are underestimating the large impact that small design changes can make. You don’t have to flip your entire home for it to be completely transformed.

H: They clear out too much so that there’s not appeal or warmth because it’s so empty. Or they end up spending too much money on repairs that might not make a big impression. 

Q: What advice would you give to someone who wants to update their space?

L: Check with a professional first for what’s going to make the biggest difference so you don’t spend unnecessary time or money on something that won’t have that big of an impact. For example, you might not need to completely replace your floors and instead putting down a few cute rugs will completely transform a space! It can truly save you thousands of dollars.

H: Start with paint! Because it’s cheap and easy. And then try to incorporate your existing pieces, but add in some new pieces to give it a refresh and update. Rugs also can be inexpensive and transform a room. 

Q: What are your thoughts on home organization and interior design?

L: I think that in order for people to feel good in their space and get the most out of their space, design and organization is the only way to really do that. Our homes are where most of us spend the majority of our lives, and so why not put our effort into it and feel good about it?

H: Hire a professional. If you know you’re not amazing at it, spend your money on a professional because you’ll get the most for your money. Home organization and interior design are such an important duo because it creates a beautiful AND functional space.

Thank you for sharing your words of wisdom with us, Harmony and Laneè. You can learn more about Renew Home Staging & Design on their website, here. You can also find them on Instagram, here.

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