Create Your Home’s Story

The Architectural Home

When we stage an empty home, we are creating a story for an otherwise empty space. We ask ourselves questions like “Who lives here? What type of person would this kind of home appeal to?” In Ojai, as a stager and designer, I see many styles of homes. I have always been grateful for this. Many stagers and designers find themselves in communities where the dwellings are replica’s of what’s next door, a footprint that has been built again and again.

In recent years, many Mid-Century homes have come up for sale in our valley. These homes are often categorized as “architectural,” because they were built in the fifties and sixties by either already well known architects or by builders who, in time, would become known as famous architects. The buyer of an architectural home is often interested in the background of the home – the exploration of the architect’s process designing and executing their plan. Here begins our staging story. The home we are furnishing has to appeal to the sensibility of this type of buyer. I have found that a client interested in architecture is also most certainly interested in art. We select the art for these homes carefully, knowing what hangs on the walls needs to be as much about process as product. The art has to have an interesting story, and so do the books, and even the furniture, which also might be categorized as architectural.

The Boho Home

To some, moving to our area means not only a switch in housing, but a new lifestyle. Our valley is filled with eco-farms, self help workshops, and progressive schools appealing to young families seeking refuge from their former life in the city. I often tell seller’s that in Ojai, we have the pressure of not just selling our home, but also Ojai – the lifestyle it offers and the idea of an idyllic, organic life. A Boho Home has its own unique story. Often filled with rugs from far off magical places, and decor finds like woven baskets or ceramics, these homes offer the comfort of a curated lifestyle to buyers. Eco-conscious linens, and draught tolerant plants (cactus and succulents), fill the surfaces. We even think about the soap – in this type of home it is most likely, artisanal. A Farmer’s Market basket sits out in the kitchen because we know this type of buyer will delight in being reminded that Farmer’s Markets happen bi-weekly in Ojai. We also accent cool components in Boho Homes for buyers – sometimes a vintage Lava Rock or River Rock fireplace or windows looking out over the perfect view.

Creating a Home Story by Accentuating the Best Use of Space

Whether we are staging or designing, we like to showcase the best aspects of every home. In California, outdoor space is often the perfect place to create a story. Adding outdoor seating areas to a home increases livable square footage in the mind of a buyer and guests. We are so fortunate in Southern California to be able to utilize these outdoor areas nine to ten months of the year. This is often a major incentive for out of state buyers. And it’s also what impresses visitors from colder climates. There is something for everyone outside – eating space, sitting space, and play space are the usual highlights of California yards. In Ojai, we also like to showoff our fruit trees, garden beds, planters and container gardens. The valley encourages residential horticulture.

Unexpected Story Boards

There are always areas in a home that can easily be overlooked. These are some of our favorite unexpected areas to define for clients or showcase for buyers. Smaller rooms like the home office, den or powder room can be brought to life with something as simple as an accent wall of wallpaper. The resurgence of wall coverings is celebrated by designers. There’s no better way to add personality, texture and focus to an otherwise unnoticed space. Cool lighting helps too. I often take risks in these small spaces that I wouldn’t in a larger scaled space, adding a unique lighting fixture, a hard carved mirror, a bold piece of art – anything that will delight the eyes, but distract from the small square footage of the room.

What are the Stories in Your Home?

What does your home tell people about you? What do you want it to say? What is your vision? What does your space offer that no other home does? Our homes tell a greater story about us. They are an extension of us. They hold our preferences and our aspirations. Our homes hold what matters the most in life and the mementos of family. Create an interior that you love and that reflects what you want to say to the world. If you need help elevating your personal style, or cultivating the story of your home through home staging or design, we are here to help!

Simplify. Revive. Renew. ~OHI HOME