With a background in art curation and passion for interior design, I approach staging and styling as a creative opportunity to integrate everything I love into one job. Just like an art exhibit, design-driven staging crafts a story, while guiding you emotionally and visually throughout a space. Whether it’s a contemporary townhome or historic bungalow, intentional staging can reflect the lifestyle of a property while emphasizing its best features.

This luxury townhome, located near the Maven District in downtown SLC, is a sophisticated, serene space – from its pleasing paint colors to elegantly upgraded light fixtures. Built in 2021, it’s a newer home that’s also been immaculately maintained by its only owner, who adorned it with art, heirloom furniture and unique artifacts during her time there. Having already moved her belongings into a new home (apart from a few, special pieces…) this space was suddenly devoid of the creative warmth that had shaped its story, and called for a curated staging approach to bring it back to life.

In interior design, the concept of a “hero” element involves choosing a focal point for a room that builds a story and defines an identity. This statement piece can be just about anything - a work of art, antique furniture piece, stand out rug, or even an inherent architectural feature. It’s something that’s a just little bit extra special, which sets the tone and immediately draws your eye. My client, who is an avid art collector and world traveler, temporarily left behind a stunning, hand-painted Japanese screen in this space, unsure if it would fit in her new home.

It easily became the “hero” for the staging design, aided by complimentary artwork from my client’s personal collection.

Many of the paintings in the space were purchased locally from Phillips Gallery, adding that special energy that only original art can bring (I personally love the charming floral by Emily Fox King in the primary bedroom.) I brought in a few vases, books, and decor of my own finding, and selected furniture from cityhomeCOLLECTIVE’s amazing staging inventory to build on the theme.

With these intentionally placed pieces, the resulting aesthetic is minimal and simplistic, yet warm and inviting with the addition of layered textiles and softer elements. Building this space inspired reflection on the many beautiful aesthetic concepts in Japanese culture, such as the concept of “Ma,” which relates to creating pauses within a space that allow its contents to breathe. Just as important as the art on the walls, it’s the unoccupied moments that bring balance and harmony to this home, creating space in which we can imagine its next chapter. 

If you’re seeking a fresh start in a clean, tasteful townhome that still offers that cozy, lived-in feel, this is your spot. Grab a glass and join us on the rooftop this Saturday, 12:00-2:00pm.