Fall Home Updates: Transforming Your Space for the Season

As the leaves start to turn and the air gets a bit crisper, it’s the perfect time to update your home for Fall. Embrace the cozy charm of the season by incorporating some simple yet impactful changes into your living space. From warm color palettes to textured decor, here are some Fall home updates to help you create a welcoming and inviting atmosphere.

1. Warm and Cozy Color Palette

2. Layered Textures

3. Seasonal Decor Accents

4. Cozy Lighting

5. Fall-Inspired Artwork

6. Seasonal Textiles

7. Functional Fall Accessories

8. Scented Candles

9. Outdoor Decor

By incorporating these Fall home updates, you can transform your space into a cozy retreat that welcomes the season with open arms. Whether you prefer subtle touches or a full-on Fall makeover, these ideas will help you create a home that’s perfect for savoring the beauty and comfort of Autumn.

Title: Spotlight on Cathy Di Leo: Voyage Tampa Magazine Features a Local Interior Decorating Maven

We are thrilled to announce that Cathy Di Leo, the esteemed founder of Di Leo Design & Staging, has been featured in Voyage Tampa Magazine, a publication known for highlighting local talents and entrepreneurs. This well-deserved recognition highlights Cathy’s exceptional skills, creativity, and dedication to the world of interior decorating. Join us as we delve into the insightful article and learn more about Cathy’s journey, inspirations, and the passion she brings to every project.

Unveiling Cathy’s Artistry: The article in Voyage Tampa Magazine delves into Cathy Di Leo’s illustrious career, showcasing her expertise as an interior decorating maven. With her keen eye for design, Cathy has transformed countless homes, elevating them with her unique blend of style, functionality, and attention to detail. The feature highlights Cathy’s commitment to delivering exceptional service, collaborating closely with clients, and bringing their visions to life.

A Journey of Inspiration: The article also provides a glimpse into Cathy’s personal journey and the experiences that have shaped her as a designer. From her early fascination with colors and textures to her continuous pursuit of knowledge in the field, Cathy’s passion for interior decorating shines through. Voyage Tampa Magazine captures Cathy’s unwavering dedication to her craft and her constant drive to stay on top of the latest trends and design techniques.

A Testament to Excellence: Being featured in Voyage Tampa Magazine is a testament to Cathy’s outstanding reputation within the local interior decorating industry. Her ability to transform spaces and create harmonious environments has garnered recognition and admiration from clients and peers alike. Through her exceptional work, Cathy has carved a niche for herself, setting the bar high for innovation, professionalism, and personalized service.

Cathy Di Leo’s feature in Voyage Tampa Magazine is a celebration of her talent, creativity, and the impact she has made in the world of interior decorating. Her ability to bring beauty, functionality, and style together in perfect harmony has made her a sought-after professional in the Tampa Bay area. As we celebrate this well-deserved recognition, we invite you to explore Cathy’s portfolio, get inspired by her work, and experience the magic of her interior decorating expertise.

#CathyDiLeo #InteriorDecorating #VoyageTampaMagazine #DesignInspiration #TampaBayInteriors

Last Minute Gifts For Mom!

Mother’s Day is a special occasion that deserves to be celebrated in a big way. Moms are the backbone of the family, the glue that holds everything together. They work tirelessly day in and day out to make sure everyone is happy, healthy, and well-cared for. So, when it comes to Mother’s Day, it’s only fitting that we take the time to show our appreciation and spoil them with thoughtful gifts. Whether it’s a spa day, a fancy dinner, or a beautiful piece of jewelry, every mom deserves to be treated special on this day. So, let’s make this Mother’s Day one to remember and show our moms just how much they mean to us.

5 Tips to Styling A Great Room

Are you looking to create a stunning great room that seamlessly blends functionality and style? As an Interior Decorator near you, I’m here to tell you that it’s all about having a design direction. In this post, we’ll explore how to create a design direction for your great room and provide styling tips to help bring your vision to life.

Creating Design Direction

Before you start styling your great room, you’ll need to establish a design direction. This will serve as the foundation for your entire project and guide your decision-making process. When creating a design direction, consider the following:

• Mood: What mood do you want to create in your great room? Do you want it to be cozy and inviting or sleek and modern?
• Color Palette: What colors do you want to incorporate into your space? Do you prefer neutral hues or bold pops of color?
• Style: What style best represents your personality and lifestyle? Are you drawn to traditional, transitional, or modern designs?

Once you have established your design direction, you can start selecting furniture, textiles, and accessories that align with your vision. As an Interior Decorator in Tampa FL, I recommend creating a mood board to help visualize your design direction and ensure that all elements work harmoniously together.

Styling Tips for a Great Room With Your Design Direction In Place!

It’s time to start styling your great room. Here are some tips to help bring your space to life:

• Create zones: Great rooms can serve multiple functions, such as a living area, dining area, and workspace. To define each zone, use furniture placement and area rugs to create visual boundaries.
• Layer textures: Add depth and visual interest to your space by layering different textures, such as a plush rug, velvet pillows, and a cozy throw.
• Mix and match: Don’t be afraid to mix and match patterns, colors, and textures. When done correctly, it can add dimension and personality to your space.
• Add greenery: Plants not only add color and texture to a space but also have air-purifying benefits. Consider adding a variety of plants, from large floor plants to smaller succulents.
• Personalize with accessories: Accessorize your space with personal items such as family photos, books, and meaningful decor pieces. It’s these unique touches that truly make a house feel like a home.

Styling a great room can be a daunting task, but working with an Interior Decorator can make the process easier and more enjoyable. As an Interior Decorator, I offer a range of services to help bring your design vision to life. From creating a design direction to selecting furniture and accessories, I am here to guide you every step of the way.

In conclusion, creating a stunning great room is all about having a design direction and incorporating key styling tips. Whether you’re searching for an Interior Decorator in Tampa FL or searching for an Interior Decorator near you, I hope this post has provided valuable insights to help you create your dream space.

Home Staging Essentials

As a Realtor, I’m sure you’re always trying to find that “Thing” to set you apart from the other Realtors in your area. You’ve carefully crafted a listing package that gives you differentiation and shows potential clients that your services far exceed the services of other Realtors. Whatever your marketing strategy, Staging Walk & Talks are just one of the many Home Staging Services I offer and a great way to add value to your listing package without spending a ton of additional marketing dollars. I’ve also included some of my favorite staging essentials below as the beginning of a shopping list! Share this with your sellers and get the most from your listings!

What is a staging Walk & Talk? It’s a 2 hour tour of the home (inside and out) to identify what needs to be done in order to photograph and list the home. As an HSR certified staging professional, I am trained at how to view the home through a “buyers” eye. I provide objective recommendations on what needs to be done to sell the home faster and for the most possible money.

Ninety percent of potential buyers are looking on line at listings before choosing homes they want to visit. Additionally, they’re only picking a hand full of homes to see in person. Once inside the home, buyers know within 10 seconds whether they’ll make an offer. Regardless of the market conditions, creating that emotional connection with buyers is what produces results and offers! Fast sales for the most money possible= happy clients!

When I’ve completed a staging Walk& Talk, sellers will have a 14 page comprehensive list of EXACTLY what needs to be done to prepare the home for sale. This could include decluttering, painting, adjusting the flow of furniture and purchasing some small items to freshen the look of the home. Staging does not need to involve emptying the home. In many cases, I recommend that the home owners leave furniture in the rooms so prospective buyers can get an idea of the size of the rooms. Occupied homes can be staged using items the owner currently has, and adding a few accessories to update the look. Small items like towels, lighting, greenery and rugs photograph great and add that extra layer of detail to a home.

Here is a basic list of items I use to get started with staging an occupied home. This can be passed along to sellers and allows them to easily click the shopping links to purchase. Items used in staging don’t need to be expensive so purchasing from Amazon, HomeGoods or Ross is my recommendation. I white comforter and shiny lamps can go a long way in making a room look great in photographs!

By bringing in an “Expert” to stage your listings, your credibility with the seller is automatically elevated.  Professional stagers go through hundreds of hours of training in staging and many times hold additional certifications in color consultation and design.  You have to maintain a strong relationship with the client in order to make it through the entire escrow process. Use the home stager to address sensitive issues and to facilitate hard conversations about preparing the home to sell. Stagers can take the “heat” off Realtors so they’re better able to focus their area of expertise- selling homes!

Click Here to schedule a 2 hour Staging Walk Through

2021 Mother’s Day Must Haves!

YOU’RE WELCOME!

It’s that time of year again! The time when we set aside a day to honor the glue that holds our family together! The “Chaos Coordinator”… “Uber Driver”… “Miracle Worker”… the one person who knows where everything in the house is located! I’m sure a mere day doesn’t begin to show her how much she’s loved and appreciated!

Now, I know from experience that 95 percent of the men, women and children will be shopping on Saturday night the day before Mother’s Day. I’m not here to judge, but you know who you are! Ask yourself this: “By shopping on the day before Mother’s Day, do you get a great selection of fantastic gifts?” or “Do you get the best of the worst gifts that are left?”

My shopping expertise is not just limited to home decor and furniture! I’ve got your back and decided to give you my top 2021 picks for Mother’s Day Must Haves! This board has gifts for every budget and I’m sure there’s something here that any mom would love!

If you shop now, you won’t even have to leave the house!

Tampa Interior Decorator, Cathy Di Leo wins Best of the Best for February 2021!

As a Tampa and Wesley Chapel interior decorator I was so honored to be named the one of the “Best of the Best Home Interior” decorators for the month of February 2021 by Home Staging Resources.

The HSR Best of the Best awards showcase the decorators and stagers that are among those certified by Home Staging Resource under the guidance of Audra Slinkey. Winners are hand-picked by four judges out of hundreds of photos every month!

The winning photo (featured above) has a really funny backstory you can read all about by clicking here. I’ve been so fortunate over the last year to have the opportunity to decorate and stage some amazing homes. Even with the pandemic, my clients have been amazing and business has been fantastic!

What an honor it is to be on this list and to have the opportunity to create beautiful homes!

E-Design?… What The Heck Is It?

When I tell my clients that I offer E-Design services, the first thing they ask is… “What is E-Design?”.  Think of this as the most convenient, collaborative way for you to redecorate your space!  Many people have heard it called Virtual Decorating or Online Interior Decorating.  E-Design is convenient, affordable, and faster than traditional design services because there is a true partnership and collaboration between the client and designer.  Most of the work is done virtually through email, video calls, text, pinterest and the Design Files program so the benefits to the client are flexibility, faster turn arounds and affordability.

How Does It Work?

The Questionnaire

A questionnaire is filled out online which covers everything from timeline, budget, color, style, who will use the space and why you’re wanting to decorate.  From there, I schedule a video call with you so that I can see your space and go more in depth about the goals for your project.

Your Homework

I give you directions to measure your space and take plenty of good photos and make note of any existing pieces you want to work into the new design.

Secret Pinterest Board

I create a secret Pinterest board that only you and I can see.  This is a GREAT resource for us to share inspirational ideas for your room, and to make sure we’re traveling down the right path to creating the perfect design.  The more information we share, the better your design will be!  (This is particularly important if you purchase my Basic Eye for E-Design package because you only receive one board with NO revisions).

Mood Board Creation

Based on the package purchased, you’ll receive a set number of mood boards.  A mood board is created in my Design Files program virtually and will be the core to turning inspiration and ideas into your room design. Boards are created based on answers in your questionnaire, your Pinterest saves and inspiration photos.  My signature Lay It Out For Me E-Design package is the best value and allows for 1 revision.  I like to make sure we are vibing with the color, pattern and general direction of the space before delivering your final board. Have fun with this and take the time to provide feedback! This is as much your design as it is mine so the more feedback the better!

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The Deliverables

I have several package options that will fit the needs of a variety of clients.  I also offer a-la-carte services such as shopping, lighting mood board, rug mood boards etc. If you have a room that is in need of a little extra help, just let me know and I can better customize your package to your specific needs

The Execution

All my packages include shopping lists and links to purchase product.  After receiving the final mood board, you’re responsible for purchasing the recommended items at your leisure and decorating the room once product is received.  I offer an optional Post-Design virtual call with my signature packages that allows you go call me for decorating advice if needed.  This call is for me to advise you on hanging artwork, styling your accessories or to address any remaining questions you have about finishing your space.

Is E-Design Right for Me?

Hire An E-Designer If…

• You can measure and photograph your space
• Pinterest is your friend and you’re able to use this as a tool to communicate your vision, inspiration, furniture and décor ideas.
• You want a design plan narrowed down within a few weeks
• You want to shop retail, can order products on your own and are able to handle any returns/exchange

Talk To Me About Traditional Design Services If…

• You need or want more of a personal touch
• Desire in-home consultations
• Need or want someone to take detailed room measurements and photos
• Would like to receive a discount on furniture purchases
• Would like for someone to handle purchasing product for you

Common E-Design Misconceptions

Even if you are just now hearing about virtual interior design it is already causing a stir in the design community and beyond.  I think it’s important to address some of the impressions that are currently out there and provide a bit more background about E-Designers in general.

If you’re new to E-Design, it doesn’t necessarily mean that E-Design is a new concept.  Online decorating sites have been around for a few years and are increasing in popularity; giving more credibility to E-Design as a decorating option.  With the recent COVID epidemic, virtual/ online decorating has exploded and gained even more popularity since it’s business model supports social distancing and online collaboration.

We Are Stealing Traditional Designers’ Work

E-design and Traditional Interior Decorating appeal to different types of clients.  E-Design clients are typically very savvy decorators that just need some professional pointers or the confidence in knowing their ideas will come together with a beautiful result.  Because online design boards are very fluid, results are immediate. Clients have full visibility to budget, sourcing, and design elements and when completed, the decision to purchase everything at once, or in stages based on their timeline.

E-Design Decorators Are Uneducated

My path to interior decorating has not been a straight line and it’s not something I keep secret.  I was an art major in college for 2 years studying design, painting, drawing and architecture prior to earning a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a Major in Marketing. After college I was fortunate enough to follow my dream of being a retail buyer and working for some of the top fashion retailers in New York and San Francisco in their corporate buying offices.  My responsibilities ranged from product development, sourcing, buying, strategic planning, and merchandise planning, to store management.  From this experience I was able to create products and dictate fashion trends that translated nationwide. If any of you purchased polar fleece from Old Navy in the 90s as an “Item of the Week”… you’re welcome!

At this point you’re probably wondering how this is all related to E-Design… WELL… After 15 years in fashion I found myself in Tampa Florida, which is not exactly known as the fashion hub of the US.  I went to work in the corporate buying office for a large local furniture and décor company, that I realized much of my fashion industry experience translated to home décor.  I immediately started to get my education and certifications in Interior Decorating, Home staging, Interior Color Application and E-Design.  I built my business because, like my clients I wanted flexibility in location and hours.  I love that I can work conveniently and affordably with clients and still create the perfect space for them!

E-Design Is Easy

False. A lot of work goes on behind the scenes to create design boards.  I customize each board based on my client’s vision.  Just because I’m not coming to your home with samples doesn’t mean the boards are easy.  The design process of getting room inspiration, shopping, and working with clients is still the same and takes hours behind the scenes to complete.  The method of procurement and way we interact are the only things that change E-Design vs traditional decorating.

I Can Perform Miracles

I pride myself on working within my clients’ specific budget requirements and curating product from multiple sources.  However, I cannot realistically furnish an entire living room from scratch for $1000. Technically I could, but in the end the quality of the furniture would suffer, and your design would look like a college dorm room.  Because of this, I provide a budget calculator so we can level-set the budget expectations together and create a result everyone is happy with.   

I’ve Personally Seen and Tested All The Products I Recommend

I’ve work with many products and have a list of preferred, trusted vendors that I trust.  Have I seen and touched all the items on your boards? NO.  If I have any questions about quality, texture, or colors I’ll sometimes order swatches or do more research, YES.  But this is an exception and not the rule.  At the end of the day, I cannot personally guarantee the color/texture/quality of every item.  Nor can I guarantee the availability or the shipping times for products.  I seek out companies that offer preferred terms for designers, reliable delivery and returns but have no -authority over the third-party companies.

I Can Read Minds

I ask a lot of questions of my clients and have both written questionnaires and Facetime meetings to understand the specifics of each project.  I even take it a step further in setting up a collaborative Pinterest board for each client to pin inspiration or specific elements they want included into their design.  These tools are used for me to deliver the perfect design for my client, not for my clients to do my job.  I’m very upfront that E-Design involves more client collaboration than traditional decorating since we work virtually.  If you desire direct communication with me, I offer packages that address this need.  My goal with all clients is to deliver the perfect design and I’m unable to do that if I don’t know what the client wants the end result to look like.

E-Design is not for everyone, but it’s a GREAT option for the right client.  If you want design direction and expertise but don’t mind being involved in the process to prepare, manage and execute the project, then E-Design is the perfect service for you!

Cathy Di Leo Joins Nicole Saunches on Selling St Pete

Nicole Saunches and Cathy Di Leo talk about benefits of Staging

Preparing to sell or want to refresh your home with a makeover?

In this episode, Nicole Saunches interviews Cathy DiLeo of DiLeo Design & Staging.

Posted by Selling St Pete on Friday, April 10, 2020

Cathy Di Leo Live on the Jen & Jason Show