Designer insights with Lori Murphy

Lori Murphy is a home stager working from her own firm Element One Home Staging, from Ohio. Lori is HSR Certified, the most extensive redesign and home staging certification course in the US. She is also a member of the American Society of Home Stagers & Redesigners and the Real Estate Staging Association. She developed her passion for home staging when selling her home in 2010, she subsequently learned all the staging techniques required to sell homes. So we are proud to bring you the Designer Insights of Lori Murphy.

Designer Insights - Lori Murphy

Image Credit: 1) Audra Slinkey 2) Graham and Brown 3) Williams Sonoma 4) Pottery Barn 5) Williams Sonoma

- Transcript -

1) In your own words describe your unique style and creative aesthetic?

I like change; I suggest neutral walls and sofas (greys, blues, taupes), I add color with personalized art, décor and accent furniture.  That way, a room can be changed inexpensively.

2) When starting a new project, what is your creative process?

Every home has a “story”.  When staging a vacant home, I get a feel for the home, who might live there and how they might use each space.

3) Out of the creative people you have worked with, who is it that you respect and admire the most?

Audra Slinkey, founder of Home Staging Resource (HSR).  A true innovator in the staging and re-design industry.  Her creativity goes beyond staging and re-design to include entrepreneurship.  It’s with Audra’s training in both the design and business aspects that I am as successful as I am today.  She is constantly creating and sharing new ideas to keep current and former students excited and inspired.

4) When looking for inspiration is there a particular thing you do to get inspired?

I Shop!  I love textures and want to see and feel.  Often times an accent piece such as a  throw pillow, becomes my inspiration and I “build-out” from there.

5) What has brought you to this point in your career? And what is your advice for people looking to follow in your footsteps?

Passion for what I do and a genuine desire to help clients; whether staging in order to sell a home quickly or redesigning to make their home a “happy” place. Education is key, find the program that fits your individual needs, and talents.  Find your niche and believe in yourself.