Reinventing Your Space: The Power of a Perfect Focal Point

Focal Point Makeover - Reinventing Space

BEFORE - Accent wall with art ledge in need of interior re-styling.

As an interior stylist, I often hear, "My living room needs something, but I can't quite put my finger on it." Often, that "something" is a well-defined focal point. While fireplaces and TVs are common contenders, a focal point can be anything that draws your eye and anchors a room – even an accent wall.

At Reinventing Space, we specialize in giving your home a fresh perspective using pieces you already own. Last week, we had a One Day Makeover project that perfectly illustrates this. Our mission? To transform an accent wall with a picture ledge into a stunning gallery.

The homeowner had an incredible collection of art – pieces gathered during her world travels, mixed with sentimental treasures. She had tried to style her accent wall, but without success. Our task was to create a cohesive and captivating gallery wall using these cherished items in a fresh new way.

Makeover Day

When we arrive at a client's home, the first thing we do is ask for a tour. This isn't just a friendly greeting; it's a crucial step in understanding their personal style, assessing the pieces they already own, hearing their wishes for the space, and identifying any design struggles they might be facing.

Before our visit, clients often gather up art, accessories, and cherished treasures they hope to see incorporated into the makeover. Our ultimate task is to take these elements and give their space—or even just a specific area within a room—a completely fresh and reinvented look.

One Day Makeover Success!

Within a matter of hours, a new space emerges. One that is curated, celebrates what you own, and showcases your style and celebrates your space.

Beyond Styling: "Shopping" Your Home & Curated Finds

Besides being pros at interior styling, we're also experts at what we call "shopping your home." This means we hunt for overlooked treasures you already own or spot items that would look fantastic in a different place. It's amazing how a piece can get a whole new life just by moving it to another room!

In just two hours her living room’s most important feature became a celebrated focal point to serve up memories and create conversations of collected treasures.

Beyond that, we also give you a real shopping list. This list includes specific recommendations for furniture, art, or other items you can purchase to further enhance your home and truly complete the vision we've created together. In this case a better corral for the couples going record collection with a new console that will not only hold records, but house the speakers and turntable too.

With the magic of AI, a rendering was made on how the new purchase could look within the space.

Do you need us to Reinvent Your Space?

Every home and every space can benefit from our One Day Makeover services. Whether you're simply craving a fresh new look or preparing to entertain guests for a special event like a shower or party, why not give your home a new look using what you already have? Our expert eye for arrangement, styling and then helping you shop for additional pieces and accessories if needed allows you to quickly and for so much less of cost than shopping for all new!

Let Julea - Reinventing Space explore the possibilities and show you what you can do with your space! Feel free to message or call: 708-543-8597, Julea@Julea.com

One Day Makeover

The Use What You Own Trend

2025 Interior Design trends say “Move over microtrend, Target design aisle, here today, gone next month home goods - Authenticity in design, layering personal finds, and vintage aesthetics is now the new design darling.

Embracing what you already have, up-styling vintage, creating a one-of-kind personalized style, and loving what you inherited is at the forefront of this year’s style profile.

• Home dwellers are creating homes that reflect personal stories and values.

• Old is now New - meaningful objects with sentimental value or cultural significance layered within in the home to spark conversation, express identity, and create micro-havens within a home (i.e.. readying nook)

I personally think that the whole vintage re-imagined came out of the Pandemic when logistics prevented us from buying new. Using or reinventing what you have, shopping pre-owned, and scouring thrift shops isn’t a new discovery, all these sources have been right around us all along, just forgotten because for decades ‘fast and new’ has been the mantra.

Celebrate it, use it, restyle it and make it your own.  

JOIN me this Wednesday, April 2nd at the Orland Park Public Library for a “Use What You Own” workshop 6:30pm. Register here -

INTERIOR DECORAITNG WORKSHOP

Head over to Orland Park Library 4/2/2025

THE USE WHAT YOU OWN AESTHIC

Nana’s plastic encased sofa has a timeless style and it’s vintage craftmanship towers over today’s fast fashion made version. Scoop that treasure up and have it reinvented to create a personalized, unique piece that can be a showcase of a space.

Photo: (source).

Old silver-plate serving pieces are collected and displayed on a wall of a bedroom to create a unique focal point.

Photo: BHG

One of my clients was struggling with her husband's gifted grandparent's dining set. They really wanted to honor it in the dining room, but the dark wood wasn't appealing and the table wasn't going to work with daily use.  The restyle solution was to purchase a new table and have the rest of the set painted to match.  The celebrate what you have result is the perfect mix of old and new. And the big bonus is they now get to love that set as much as his Grandparents did.

Have an old chair with in good condition fabric, but in a less than desirable color? YES, you can paint it. At my direction, my client painted his Mom’s accent chair with a new hue using chalk paint.

YOU CAN PAINT YOUR ULPHOLSTERY!

Reinvent an old piece with a fresh coat of paint - in this case, fabric!

Why not get ready every morning in vintage style and maybe a wink and nod to Mom with a lovely vanity vignette of your makeup necessities organized in old silver serving pieces.

Photo: (source)

Don't haul that old sofa, chair or ottoman out to the curb - instead, have it reupholstered. If you have a vintage piece of furniture that you just love, it’s comfy, just the right size and it’s made fantastic - reinvent it instead.

Have a sofa you just love and is just right for a space? Reinvent it.

Great pieces in your home, like these accent chairs, can be reupholstered and refreshed.

Aunt Millie's tea cup collection boxed in tissue somewhere?  Unwrap them, head over to a craft store and cook up a batch of wax to make them into candles. They'll warm your heart with their romantic flicker on your sofa's end table as you settle in for the evening.

Photo: (source)

Transform an antique photo of your heritage with a blown-up image updated in a wrapped canvas technique. Add a few more in various sizes to create an unique gallery wall.

Photo: (source).

I'd love to know what you have done with your old stuff!

2025 Home Trends - What Buyers Want

New technology, old-world style: Zillow reveals 2025's home trends

Zillow® is unveiling its data-driven predictions for the trends that will define our homes in the new year. In 2025, homeowners and buyers will blend the latest technology with nostalgic, old-world charm to create comfortable, sustainable and climate-resilient homes. That means features such as whole-home batteries and EV chargers will coexist with cozy home libraries, vintage fixtures and 19th-century sculleries.    

Zillow identified five emerging trends by looking at hundreds of home features and design styles mentioned in millions of for-sale listings in 2024, then identified the keywords showing up far more frequently than a year ago. When certain features appear in a rising share of listings, it's a signal that they are in demand and desirable to a buyer. Real estate agents are uniquely attuned to what buyers want, and savvy agents will highlight those features when marketing a home for sale.

2025 Zillow Home Buying Trends Infographic by InteriorStylist.org

interiorstylist.org

Electric features: Today's home buyers are looking to live their values, seeking out homes with sustainable and environmentally friendly features. Mentions of whole-home batteries have surged by 62% since last year, the fastest-growing feature in this year's analysis. Whole-home batteries store excess energy from solar panels, acting as a generator during a power outage or when the sun isn't shining. Solar panels are appearing 18% more often in for-sale listings on Zillow, as are the terms "sustainable" and "green." 

It's not just solar power. Electric vehicle (EV) chargers are appearing in 34% more for-sale listings on Zillow today than a year ago. And electric ranges are gaining traction, too. Mentions of induction cooktops are up 5%.

Cozy vibes: The term "cozy" is no longer a negative real estate euphemism — it's a sought-after design trait. Listings mentioning "cozy" have increased by 35% compared to last year. Yes, home buyers are embracing smaller, cozier spaces for affordability and sustainability, and rejecting the cavernous open floor plans and pandemic-era need for more and more space. The great room has been replaced by smaller, cozier, color-saturated rooms that serve a specific purpose, such as dens and dining rooms.  

Cozy living spaces are replacing the cavernous great room

(Photo: Julea Joseph).

Old-world comeback: Move over, Grand Millennial style. 2025 is set to go full granny, with floral patterns, tapestries, antique furnishings and chintz making a strong return. Nostalgia is a growing trend, appearing in 14% more listings than in 2023, while "vintage" mentions are up by 9%. Additionally, bibliophilic decor and home libraries are on the rise, showing up 22% more frequently in listings on Zillow. The Victorian-era scullery is also making a 21st-century comeback. This second kitchen, or back kitchen, where entertainers can hide the dirty work of meal prep and cleanup, is appearing in 8% more listings today than a year ago. 

The Victorian-era scullery is making a 21st-century comback

(Photo: Jason House & Home)

Climate resiliency: With climate-related disasters becoming more frequent, sellers are highlighting features that offer some degree of protection, and buyers are seeking them out. Zillow research finds that 86% of recent home buyers say it's very important that a home have at least one climate-resilient feature. 

The share of for-sale listings on Zillow that mention flood barriers is up 22% compared to last year, seismic retrofitting is up 20%, and references to water catchment systems are up 19%. Drought-resistant turf yards are showing up 14% more often compared to a year ago. 

Spa-inspired wet rooms: This luxurious design element, most often found in high-end hotels, is the latest spa-inspired upgrade to start showing up in homes. A wet room combines the shower and bathtub into one waterproof space without the usual shower curb or enclosure. Wet rooms are being featured 19% more often in listings on Zillow. 

A wet room combines the shower and bathtub into one waterproof space.

(Photo: GETTY images)

This 2025 bathroom trend is part of a growing emphasis on wellness design. As buyers become increasingly attuned to the ways their home impacts their physical and mental well-being, the share of for-sale listings that mention wellness features is up 16% compared to last year.    

ARTICLE REPRINTED : SOURCE Zillow Group, Inc.

Trending…Underconsumption Core?

The other day a Reel came up on my FB page demonstrating “Underconsumption Core” which showcased repairing a broken glass laundry jar with glue and then proudly displaying the fixed usable piece like it was a just unwrapped Birthday Gift. 

I was a bit bewildered, and surprised that fixing a jar was a “thing”, but then again - I’m a Boomer;  I glue everything, in fact I have a bag in my hall closet with my glue gun and assorted glues always at-the-ready.   So I did a bit of research and it is an actual trend popular on TikTok. Young people have unveiled the concept of using less, fixing the broken, thrifting and using what they have.

I do think this trend is a result of the pandemic period when logistics were an issue, the ease of hopping into the car to shop wasn’t an option and people learned that home was the safe haven from the storm. Here’s some researched info about the trend:

Underconsumption Core: A Trend Towards Minimalism

Underconsumption Core is a term that has gained popularity in recent years, describing a trend where people prioritize minimalism and reduce their consumption of material goods. This shift is often driven by factors such as environmental concerns, financial considerations, and a desire for a simpler, more meaningful life.

Key characteristics of nonconsumption core include:

• Minimalism: Embracing a lifestyle with fewer possessions, focusing on quality over quantity.

• Conscious consumption: Making thoughtful decisions about purchases, considering their environmental and social impact.

• Experience over possessions: Prioritizing experiences and relationships over material goods.

• Repair and reuse: Extending the life of items through repairs and repurposing.

• Sustainable living: Adopting practices that minimize waste and reduce the ecological footprint.

Using What You Have to Decorate

Of course I was excited to see this new trend because it’s not new to me, nor my business. When it comes to home design and decorating, my goal with all my clients is to always use what they have 1st before buying new. Let’s rearrange, reupholster, change the color, update and refresh to re-style a home instead of making drastic changes or buying everything new. Here’s my core:

Interior Redesign-  (One Day Makeovers) I take what you have and give you a fresh new look in your rooms by using all your stuff. In just a day, your tired space becomes fresh and new, but still celebrating your favorite pieces..  Your room becomes balanced, functional and unified. Best of all, you get instant gratification, validate your existing pieces, and ready the space for family and friends. 

Color Consultation- Since I’m already familiar with your things, I’m  right by your side in expertly selecting and creating a new color palette.  From paint color to fabric or wallpaper suggestions - Gone with the 10-20 year old hues, let’s update with color choices in-tune to your belongings and personal style.  

Shopping, Procurement &  Design Services- If you'd like to refresh and add to your furniture & collections, we can make suggestions or ease your load and shop for those new pieces -  Whether brand new, or found (Resale, thrifted, or one of my secret haunts) there is no better shopper. 

Need more Traditional Design Services such as window treatments or more?  My  talents and resources can add those finishing touches to your space or work with you and your contractor to make needed or wanted updates.

Why has Underconsumption become so popular?

• Environmental concerns: Growing awareness of climate change and the negative impact of consumerism on the planet.

• Financial challenges: Economic uncertainty and rising costs have led many people to reevaluate their spending habits.

• Mental health benefits: Research suggests that a simpler lifestyle can reduce stress and improve overall well-being.

• Social trends: The rise of social media and influencers promoting minimalism has helped to popularize the concept.

Repurposing and Recycling:

• Furniture: Repaint or reupholster old furniture to give it a new look. I have a current client that loves her seating and rather than buying new, we’re reupholstering to update and give her favorite pieces a new life. 

• Textiles: Create throw pillows, curtains, throws from found or shopped textiles. Granny’s quilt into throw pillows, a beautiful hand crocheted bed coverlet, with a stain, dyed and used as a tablecloth. 

• Artwork: Reframed what you already have, thrift art to use the frame or reinvent it being crafty. 

• DIY Projects: Transform everyday items into unique decor pieces. The internet is your friend.

• Color Palette: Focus on accent colors to update your room without repainting. If painting the walls is not in your budget, or too timely, use a new 1 color palette in accessories to update your room. 

• Lighting: Refresh lamps with new shades, or upstyling a shade with new fabric or wallpaper ( get that glue out!)

• Plants: Add greenery to liven up your space and improve air quality. Beautiful trees and plants can be found on FB Marketplace or your local FREE page. I got a lovely Norfolk Pine tree a few years ago free since it outgrew the giver’s home. Popped it into a new container, trimmed it up a bit, and it’s a great addition to my Breeze Way. 

Personal Touches:

• Family Heirlooms: Display cherished items to add sentimental value.

• Travel Souvenirs: Incorporate mementos from your travels to create a unique ambiance.

• Collections: Showcase your collections, whether it's books, art, or vintage items.

While embracing the Underconsumption Core trend can be a rewarding approach to life, it's important to find a balance that works for you. It's about making conscious choices and finding joy in the simple things. Need help with making your old stuff look refreshed and rejuvenated?  I can help - my design consultation time will help you weed through all your design dilemmas, give you insight on how to repurpose and use what is already there, and guide you on how to celebrate your home with style and panache. - Julea

Upcoming Specialty Educational Workshop - November 9th/10th 2024

HOUSESTAGER™ PRO A two day home staging designation workshop. This comprehensive home staging specialty class will focus on preparing a resident occupied property for the real estate market. This 2 day intensive is focused on technique, the 5 steps of room arrangement, and lifestyle design formulas.

“Whether selling or dwelling, the knowledge of how to build a beautiful room, accessorize with what someone already owns and create the spark of what makes a space remarkable and inviting is the secret sauce of a successful home stylist”

— Julea Joseph

HOUSESTAGER™ PRO This 2 day educational intensive will focus on the building blocks of the science, psychology and art of staging a seller occupied home. Best practices to increase the marketability for the ideal buyer utilizing the seller’s current belongings. What stays, goes and how to up-style a space with supplementing shopped and/or rental furnishing and accessory props. Learn core updates that can bring the home up to par for today’s buyer. Styling lessons on room layouts, creating focal points, accessorizing, and the importance of color in selling a home. Price: 1475 Location: Frankfort, IL For more details https://interiorstylist.net/house-stager-pro

The Case of the Poorly Picked Paint Color

Today’s post is about a home seller that consulted a fellow Home Stager to prepare their home for sale. The stager recommended they paint their home a popular shade of white by Sherwin Williams.(Shoji White) 

Shoji White -

Sherwin Williams Shoji White.

Instead of heading to a Sherwin Williams store, they headed to a big box home improvement store, thinking they’d save a few bucks and had the paint person pick the paint color instead.  The result was a yellow which they then promptly painted their home in. 

Whether a homeowner is preparing their place to sell, or updating your home paint is the least expensive, but most effective improvement you can make.   Today, we’ll be taking the mystery of picking paint color. 

Listen to my latest POCAST to solve the mystery of why it’s hard to try to match a paint color, why Whites are so popular when staging, insider tips and advice about choosing paints for your home and favorite new colors you need to try in your space. I’m joined by Sherwin WIlliams’ Janet Miller.

Why whites are so popular with selling your home.

• Neutral: White is a neutral color that can make a house look inviting and spacious. It can also help buyers envision their own furniture and accessories in the space instead of the seller's.

• Appealing: White is universally appealing and doesn't look dated. It can also be dressed up or down with accent colors with furniture, décor and accessories, like wall art.

• Open: White is highly reflective, which can make a room feel brighter and more open, especially in small or dark spaces. It can also make ceilings appear higher and wider.

Whether getting ready to sell, in need of a paint refresher to update your home, or are embarking in a bigger project - (inside or out) that requires color and paint choices My 25 years of expertise will help you make those decisions. Call or text today for your in-person or remote consultation: 708.543.8597

Summer Home Styling

INDOOR SPACE

Summer is here, and it's time to think about decorating your home for the season. Light and bright colors are perfect for summer, and they'll make your home feel airy and inviting. On the home styling side, think relaxing hues, and less. Here are some tips to restyle your spaces for the summer months.

• Swap heavy curtains for light ones to let natural light in.

• Add plants or flowers for a fresh feel.

• Use soothing colors like blues and greens for a relaxing vibe.

• Choose breathable fabrics like cotton or linen.

• Declutter and go for a minimalist look for a spacious and airy summer retreat.

SHOP WITH ME FOR THESE SUMMER FINDS ON AMAZON: I curated a shopping list on my Amazon page for summer 2024 Enjoy your Summer List

OUTDOOR SPACES

For a welcoming outdoor space, get stylish furniture that's also practical. Choose a strong dining set with comfy chairs and a big table for guests. Relax with weather-proof sofas or chairs. Add coffee tables, ottomans, and side tables for drinks. Use umbrellas or a pergola for shade. Get outdoor poufs or benches for extra seating.

When it comes to accessorizing outside living areas, there are a few key tips to keep in mind:

• Outdoor Rug: Define your space and add comfort with an outdoor rug that complements your furniture and overall design.

• Throw Pillows: Incorporate outdoor throw pillows in various colors and patterns to add style and comfort to your seating areas.

• Lighting: Enhance the ambiance of your outdoor space with strategic lighting such as string lights, lanterns, or floor lamps.

• Planters: Utilize planters to bring greenery and life to your outdoor living area. Choose a variety of plants to add texture and visual interest.

• Keep the pests away : Outdoor living is wonderful, but not when uninvited pests buzz and bite. Make sure to include repellents (natural of course).

• Cozy Throws: Keep warm on cool evenings by adding cozy throws to your patio furniture for both style and function.

• Outdoor Tableware: Elevate your outdoor dining experience with durable and stylish outdoor tableware such as melamine plates, acrylic glasses, and outdoor-friendly serving ware.

By paying attention to these details and incorporating these accessories, you can transform your outside living area into a welcoming and stylish oasis for relaxing and entertaining.

SUMMER ENTERTAINNG

Great Summer Recipes for quick and easy entertaining for family and friends.

Fresh and Simple Caprese Skewers Thread cherry tomatoes, fresh basil leaves, and mini mozzarella balls onto skewers. Drizzle with balsamic glaze and olive oil before serving.

Grilled Pineapple Chicken Skewers Marinate chunks of chicken breast in a mixture of pineapple juice, soy sauce, and garlic. Skewer the chicken with pineapple chunks and grill until cooked through.

Watermelon Feta Salad Toss cubed watermelon, crumbled feta cheese, mint leaves, and a drizzle of balsamic glaze in a bowl.

Mango Salsa with Tortilla Chips Combine diced mango, red onion, jalapeno, cilantro, lime juice, and salt in a bowl. Serve with crispy tortilla chips.

Lemon Garlic Shrimp Sautee shrimp with minced garlic, lemon juice, red pepper flakes, and parsley until the shrimp turns pink. Serve hot with crusty bread.

Enjoy these flavorful and effortless recipes to wow your guests this summer season!

JUNE SUMMER CALENDAR

My calendar teaching/workshops are clear for the summer, but here are a few things around town that I’ll be sure to attend.

Georgia O’Keefe - Art Institute of Chicago My New York Famed for her images of flowers and Southwestern landscapes, Georgia O’Keeffe spent several years exploring the built environment of New York City with brush in hand. June 2–September 22, 2024

Darvin Furniture - Pallister Furniture Event Head over to Darvin Furniture, June 14th @ 6:30pm for a fun and interactive evening. Light refreshments and live music. Win Tim McGraw or Justin Timberlake tickets and Hailstorm Brewery giveaways.

Art Institute Georgia O'Keefe New York

Darvin Pallister Event