The Journal

Design, Staging & Rental Property Resources

Notes from Elissa on design, staging, color and organization — plus the practical questions North Georgia homeowners, realtors, builders and rental-property owners ask most.

Cabin living room with a cognac leather sofa, Persian rug and a landscape over the sofa

Interior Design

Designing A Home That Feels Like YOU!

Did you know there is a difference between a house that looks good and a home that feels right? The most beautiful spaces are created intentionally.

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Furnished living room with a tan sofa, charcoal chair and dark stone fireplace

Home Staging

Why You Should Hire a Stager—Even When Your Home Is Occupied

When homeowners think about staging, they often assume it's only necessary for vacant homes. The reality? Occupied homes benefit just as much—if not more—from professional staging.

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Double-height living room with a low sectional, live-edge table and black-framed windows

Interior Design

Before & After: Designing a Home That Feels Like You

There is something undeniably captivating about a good before-and-after transformation. It's not just about the visual impact—it's about the story.

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Kitchen with sage shaker cabinets, a wood island, marble counters and brass hardware

Organization

The Refined Kitchen: Organizing Your Kitchen with Intention

Before buying a single bin or label, remove everything from cabinets and drawers. Most kitchens are not disorganized because of poor storage—they are overcapacity.

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Three painted sample squares in cream, greige and sage on a sunlit interior wall

Color

2026 Color Trends

A guide to color selection and the latest interior color trends. Choosing the right colors for your home can transform how a space feels — from cozy and intimate to bright and uplifting.

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Pantry shelving with containers arranged in zones

Organization

The Calm, Creative Pantry

5 thoughtful ways to organize your kitchen. An organized pantry isn't about perfection; it's about creating a space that feels calm, functional, looks beautiful and is easy to maintain.

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Walk-in closet with clothing arranged by color, open shelves and a round ottoman

Organization

Love Your Closet Again – Clean, Organize and Refresh

Is your closet always a mess? Let's plan to make 2026 the year that you finally tame your wild closet and put that chaos to rest.

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Mudroom with a wood bench, peg rail, woven baskets and slate tile

Organization

Organization for the New Year

A new year doesn't have to mean a full overhaul of your life. The most effective systems are the ones that feel natural, intuitive, and beautifully integrated into your everyday environment.

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Bright living room with a cream sofa, stone fireplace and mountain view through black-framed windows

Home Staging

Staging for the Win

Selling your home is not easy. It takes time, energy, objectivity, expertise and a team of experts to help you. A Home Stager is someone who is an expert at decorating and preparing a home to sell.

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Coming Soon