We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Erica Shirey. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Erica below.

Erica , appreciate you joining us today. So, let’s start with trends – what are some of the largest or more impactful trends you are seeing in the industry?

With the start of the new year I have been paying close attention to what is trending in the design world. After attending market we are noticing an overarching trend towards bold, colorful, and warm interiors. This trend seems to speak to our collective desire for comfort and security. Clean, white walled minimalism continues to take a backseat to moody color palettes, printed wallpaper, cozy textures, and natural materials. Modern traditional design is making a slow but steady comeback. You will also be noticing curves and arches in many different facets. Sharp edges will make way for softer shapes, so expect to see arched doorways, entries, curved furniture, and rounded sculptural forms. Another trend that I just adore is bold marble! Marble with its naturally dramatic veining makes it unpretentiously decorative and rich. It certainly makes a statement.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I have always loved art and design, so it was a natural decision for me to end up in my line of work. I really enjoy the challenge of taking a dull space and transforming it into something beautiful and functional. While design can be difficult at times, the final reveal is exceptionally rewarding. Helping clients achieve their vision is a task that never gets old. I love the diversity that my career holds…no two days are the same, and that really helps me thrive! Working at Home Staging for Houston has been such an enriching experience. I have learned so much from Rhonda Concholla, the founder of Home Staging for Houston, and Melissa Arbelaez, a fellow designer. I feel as though a cohesive work environment is vital to success, and we have that cohesiveness. 2022 was the most successful year that Home Staging for Houston has experienced, and I think that has everything to do with our passion for design. Our fervor coupled with our outstanding customer service has helped us flourish into the company that we are today, and we are looking forward to what this next year holds.

Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?

My goal in design is simply to transform an ordinary environment into one that is beautiful and appealing. I believe that it is vital to love our home. Having a space that makes you happy and reflects who you are is more important than people might think! Your home impacts so many aspects of your life, and when you fill it with designs, furniture, and accents that you love, it brings your internal self to external light.

This idea rings true with home staging, as well. An empty home doesn’t evoke a warm and comfortable feeling, but staging remedies that! Numbers don’t lie and statistically homes spend 73% less time on market when it is staged. The most alluring fact is that staging can help increase the sale price by up to 20% on average. It has proven to be a lucrative investment when selling your home. Our goal is to help clients sell their homes quickly and at higher multiples.

What’s been the most effective strategy for growing your clientele?

The most effective strategy for growing clientele has been providing not only stylish designs, but also providing outstanding customer service. We are result driven at Home Staging for Houston and the majority of our business comes from repeat clients; and the reason as to why they’re a repeat client, is due to them being happy with the end result. With providing beautiful staging designs over the years our company has branched out into interior design services, as well. That has been a rewarding aspect, because we get to work alongside our clients in a different and more intimate way. Designing a warm and stylish environment is a really fulfilling experience!

Contact Info:

• Website: www.homestagingforhouston.com
• Instagram: instagram.com/homestagingforhouston
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/getitstaged
• Linkedin: linkedin.com/in/erica-shirey-8b43271b3

Image Credits
Morris Malakoff