In this house, the blue-tinted granite counters and glass backsplash were non-negotiable but challenging. Instead of tearing off the glass tiles, I leaned into the blue vein theme. By adding a fresh coat of matching blue the lower cabinets, installing a wallpaper with the same hue on a kitchen wall, and painting the exterior window sashes blue, the vibe became 1990s J.Crew. Where the colors, reef blue, hunter green and crisp white were used on cotton sweaters and paired with deck shoes.

Remember -wallpaper doesn’t have to shout to make a statement, either. In the living room, I used a subtle white paper with beige, silver, and gray polka dots behind the fireplace. It ties into the kitchen’s tiled floor, the silver backsplash, and the neutral wall paint throughout the home. This color connectivity makes the space feel larger and more harmonious—a must for smaller homes.

Speaking of small spaces, here’s a pro tip: splurge where it counts. A couple of high-end light fixtures in key rooms or the kitchen can do wonders. And if you’re still rocking those outdated can lights, swap them for sleek, low-profile LED units. There cheap and always in stock at Home Depot.

Lastly, once we have a interior polished, we bring in a stellar staging team to elevate the space to a whole new level. Great stagers breathe life and personality into even the most bare-bones homes, and we wholeheartedly believe the ones we partner with (Kelsey and her crew) are Portland’s finest.

With an eye for color, composition, texture, and spatial harmony, they’re true artists. They layer live greenery with vintage treasures, tuck cultural gems into cozy nooks, and create moments that transport you—whether to a far-off destination or a cherished memory. They don’t just stage a house; they craft comfort, warmth, and soul. In their hands, a house truly becomes a home.