Podcast Interview with Abode to Adore

Abode to Adore Principal and Head Designer Biljana Blizanac was recently featured on a Meet the Elite Podcast episode. She discussed with host James all things design and staging: inspiration, her design philosophy, and how she aligned her business model with it. You can stream the episode here, or tune in directly on all major…

Staged and Sold

This Cape house in West Acton, MA was sold in record time, with multiple offers and 100k (12%) over asking. Take a tour to see how we staged and styled this property.

Styling Essentials

Looking for a quick spring home refresh? Try adding these decor staples used by interior designers, to style like a pro. Here is some inspiration from my projects: Lamps not only brighten up the space, but can also add to overall style. Plants have a calming effect and bring the outdoors in. Spring is a…

We are in The TOP 20 Boston Interior Design Blogs

We are honored to share that Abode to Adore blog has recently been featured by Feedspot as one of the best interior design blogs in Boston area.  Feedspot panelists extensively searched thousands of local interior design blogs and selected the top 20 to be featured. They ranked them based on the factors such as blog…

TREND WATCH: 2023 Will be full of Bold, Vibrant and Highly Personalized Interiors

Industry leaders and influencers are all predicting a big shift in our homes this year. Design choices are directly impacted by current lifestyle and factors that dictate it. In the post-pandemic years, people are now embracing a more vibrant, personalized style with the comfort and function in mind.  Gone are the days of sterile minimalistic…

Happy New 2023

As I look back upon the past year, my thoughts turn gratefully to my clients and business partners who have helped shape my business and made my success possible. Thank your for a great year, full of special people and great spaces! There is nothing more fulfilling than helping my clients improve their homes, or…

Costal Christmas Inspiration

It’s time to talk holiday decor! This is my favorite time of the year and I love creating festive homes!This year I was inspired to create a perfect Christmas by the sea, so I mixed traditional Christmas pieces and added a coastal twist.  Whether you’re spending Christmas on the coast or not, you can enjoy this sea🌊sonal look by…

Kitchen Remodel – in Time for Thanksgiving

I recently brought this 90s kitchen to present, much to the absolute delight of my client.  The elevated counter that was never used as a bar is now gone, opening up the space. Cabinets were brought all the way up to the ceiling, with lights added to the top glass area, as well as under the cabinets.…

Design Project Flow

So you’re thinking of working with a designer but are not sure what that process would entail? Here is the typical design project flow and the stages you can expect.  After telling me about your project via online Project Request, we’ll have a new client Discovery Call. Understanding your needs and scope, I will create…

Bring the Color Trends of 2023 by Benjamin Moore to Your Home

This week, Benjamin Moore revealed their color trends for 2023. Much bolder than what we’ve seen in the past couple of years, this palette has a very distinct presence and personality. Headlined by Raspberry Blush, these hues are intended to inspire creativity and push beyond the traditional boundaries. These colors will introduce passion and vivaciousness…

Staged and Sold

This town house in the heart of Melrose, MA just got under contract. Please take a tour to see how we staged and styled this vacant property.

A Peek Behind the Scenes

I get a lot of people thinking that staging is is this easy decorating gig. It’s actually a lot less glamorous and involves hard work behind the scenes. So what happens between before and after pics? For one, there is a lot of planning and logistics involved… When I book a job, I review my…

How to Get the Perfect Costal Relaxed Look

Whether you live by the coast, or just dreaming of a perfect beach vacation, coastal style brings that easy-breezy vibe to your space. Hallmark color story is that of the sea, sky and sand, usually in lighter tones. Pair it with natural materials like seagrass, jute and whitewashed wood or driftwood. Add woven textures like…

Style Vs Theme – What is the Difference?

I frequently encounter confusion between style and theme. Some homeowners get locked within a theme and struggle to expand on it, while not getting the results they hoped for. Then they give me a call.  So what is the difference?  Style is an overarching concept, and while it can have some sub-themes, it’s much broader.…

How to Stage the Entryway to Impress Buyers and Guests

Whether you’re welcoming potential buyers, vacation rental guests, or just friends & family, the first impression is really important – and it starts with the front door.  The entrance sets the tone and expectations for the whole property. It’s also an opportunity to add some character and create curb appeal.  Here’s how to do it:…

A Day in a Life of a Designer

There is a lot that happens in-between before and after photos…  One of my favorite things to do is consultations / on-site assessments. It’s always an adventure discovering a new property and coming up with solutions to improve it.  A big part of my day is dealing with people: clients, suppliers, contractors – and I…

Style Focus: Americana

This is a great time to get some inspo from the Americana Style, which evolved from US heritage, and nowadays has a more modern take.  The color palette features patriotic hues such as Brick Red, and faded blues, like Old Blue Jeans by Benjamin Moore, mixed with vintage off-whites and gray. Stars and stripes patterns…

Creating a Vacation Rental in 7 Steps

When creating a vacation rental, you have to keep in mind several key factors such as appeal for listing and social media photos, hospitality elements, as well as functionality from both guest’s and host’s perspective.  Here’s how to accomplish this is 7 simple steps: Know your target guest and what their preferences and needs are.…

Project Spotlight: Kitchen Remodel

I recently designed this kitchen for a client in Westford, MA who wanted something modern and timeless. It was a complete tear down that included a different layout and all new updated finishes and fixtures, as well as opening the space up to the dining room and adjoining living area that were also refurnished. As…

Spring Cleaning Tips: Refresh your home to sell or enjoy this season

Whether you’re getting ready to sell your house, or just preparing to enjoy the warm weather months, this is a good time to freshen up your home. You may have delayed the spring cleaning, but as the weather gets more promising, it’s time to tackle it and it doesn’t have to be daunting. Here are…

Spring Decor

Spring is in the air! It’s the perfect time to add some seasonal decor to your home. Bring in lots of natural blonde wood with light greens, cream and a pop of yellow to set the mood. Start the outdoor season with adding some flowers, like the French Spring wreath, or colorful centerpieces with fruit…

Recently Staged

We recently staged this exceptional contemporary deck house in Carlisle, MA. It’s full of great architectural features and ready to accommodate new owner’s lifestyle.

Style Focus: Metro Modern

The Metro Modern look unifies new traditional and contemporary styles by blending chic pieces with streamlined, clean lines, to create the overall casual mood. This esthetics is sophisticated without being pretentious. Color palette is neutral and calm, almost monochromatic, with soft warm grays and cool muted blues, and play on dark/light contrast. The color is…

Brand ReFresh

Over the past two years our studio has grown and evolved a lot. Our new look represents where we are now and how we serve our clients. Our new logo’s modern, polished and unique look truly represents our style, work and philosophy. The space we live in has a major influence on how we live…

Splurge or Save

Here are some of the products I’ve incorporated in my recent design projects. In some cases, I saved my clients a considerable amount, while in others, we decided it was well worth to splurge! Can you guess which products are steals and which are more high end? Which option do you prefer? Shop this High-Low…

2022 Style Forecast

There is so much to look forward to in 2022! Here are the emerging trends, styles that are continuing to go strong, and others that are on their way out. Emerging: Green Color will have a major presence. It naturally lends itself to the trend of bringing the outside in to introduce tranquility into our…

Difference Between Home Staging and Design

While general view is that both home staging and interior design simply involve decorating, they are actually completely different. Their purpose, process and outcome are almost the opposites.

How to Style a Shelf

Besides their obvious function, shelves are a great way to elevate your space and add some visual interest. It may be daunting looking at an empty built in, or perhaps a messy bookcase, but you can style it like a pro by following these 5 steps:  Consider scale of the shelf to the objects you’ll…

How to Create a Fall Tablescape

Here’s how to make your Thanksgiving table festive and stylish: 1. Pick a centerpiece – best to go with grouping of several curated items. Candles, seasonal flowers and decorative gourds are an easy go-to decor. 2. Add layers – whether it’s a more formal affair, or a casual family dinner, add some combination of tablecloth,…

Creating The Accent Wall

Here’s how this accent wall came together: I’ve used my go-to neutral Gray Mist by Benjamin Moore and painted the geo motif inspired by the bed frame in Gentle Gray. I’ve added the base strip to anchor the room at bed level in almost velvety shade In The Midnight Hour. I’ve used Scotch Painters Tape…

Talented Designer Challenge Room Reveal

Finally I can reveal the room I’ve designed for the Talented Designer Challenge using South Shore furniture and accessories. I was inspired by the shape of the headboard and carried the geometric pattern throughout the room. I also love the leather handle detail on the dresser which influenced my style direction. The result is the…

The Battle of the Designers – It’s On!

Abode to Adore has been selected as one of the four US interior designers to take part the Talented Designers Challenge. The designers are asked to create a room decor using South Shore furniture and accessories. The designs will be showcased on social media  where public can vote for their favorite room and the winning…

Perfect Hues for Your 2022 Home ReFresh

Benjamin Moore recently announced their color trends for 2022. The overall palette is calming and inspired by botanical hues, bringing in several shades of green. One of them is October Mist, named as the Color of the Year 2022. This color palette is fantastic for staging since it can create an inviting, soothing mood that…

Style Focus: Japandi

Japandi is a fusion of two distinct styles: Japanese and Scandinavian. It’s a combination of the Nordic concept of Hygge (a feeling of warmth and well-being in a home) and the ancient Buddhist concept of wabi-sabi(the acceptance of imperfection).  Modern Japanese (Zen) interior design is anchored in minimalist principles, clean lines, and natural materials. Rooms…

How to Prepare Your Home for a Top $ Sale without any Upfront Costs  

Frequently Asked Questions Q: What goes into preparing a property for sale? A: The art of preparing and showcasing a home for sale involves many steps and is usually referred to as home staging. The scope of staging goes far beyond what some people see as decorating: an experienced home stager will determine necessary repairs,…

Fall Refresh Ideas

Fall is the perfect time to draw inspiration from nature and bring in colorful, cozy vibes to your abode.  From colors of leaves, shapes of harvest goods, texture of a cozy sweater, to the smell of cinnamon spice, these can be perfectly translated into some fun fall refresh additions.  Our favorite fall inspired color palette…

The Healing Garden

This hidden gem in Harvard, MA features an amazing space and gardens that match their great cause. This fall, Abode to Adore will take part in the annual walk and ride event to raise awareness and support for the Virginia Thurston Healing Garden and their mission to provide integrative cancer care. If you’d like to…

Top 6 Home Staging Myths Busted

What really is staging, and what it isn’t? I recently gave the presentation busting some stubborn myths about home staging and expectations around it. See the top 6 Home Staging Myths debunked.

Local Love

Thank you to all our clients and neighbors who voted for Abode to Adore as the Neighborhood Favorite. The last year has been a strange one, with the pandemic and the intense housing market, to say the least. But the power of local community support combined with hard work always prevails!

Our Top 8 Favorite Home Staging Essentials

When choosing accessories for staging, consider the three key ways how they can contribute to the appeal of the home: For one, they are a perfect way to inject color, pattern, texture or style. Two, they add function – like decorative baskets that hide homeowners clutter, or lamps that light up the space. Last, but…

Tips and Ideas for Staging a Dining Room

The dining room is one of the 4 most important areas to stage – and one of our favorites, since there are so may possibilities.  First to consider are the house style, color scheme and size, as well as the target buyers’ lifestyle. It’s important to define the area – whether there is already a…

Just Staged

This recently renovated raised ranch in Billerica, MA gets ready for the market. See how we staged and styled this vacant property.

How to Tackle Decluttering This Spring – to sell your house or regain your space

Clutter is anything in your home that is not useful to you and that you do not love. There are many reasons people accumulate clutter. Homeowners often don’t realize when their possessions have crept into this category. There is just-in-case clutter, nostalgia clutter, gift clutter, even guilt clutter. Whether it’s a box of old photos,…

Decorative Storage – Baskets and Bins

First step in decluttering and organizing is to create storage solutions. We always recommend our clients decorative baskets and bins to put away their collections and everyday items. Here are some of our favorite picks. Abode to Adore, LLC does not receive any compensation for endorsement of the above featured products. 

Top 5 Tips for Staging a Kitchen

When preparing a house for a sale, one of the key three areas to focus on is the kitchen. This space is at the top of buyers’ priority list and is really worthwhile spending some extra time there to present it in the best light. Here are the top 5 tips for staging a kitchen…

Staged and Sold

We recently staged this beautiful contemporary house in Lexington, MA. It was under the agreement in 5 days for over the asking. Please take a tour.

8 Home Staging DOs

Here are the top 8 things you should do to prepare your home for a fast and profitable sale.

Staged To Sell Workshop

Spring market is just around the corner! Make sure your house is ready by joining one of our online workshops. We will guide you how to prepare your property for the real estate market so it sells faster and for more money. Our topics will cover creating appeal for potential buyers, prioritizing improvements for best return…

2021 Style Forecast

The recent lifestyle adjustments have influenced some of the new trends on the horizon for 2021. Here’s what we think will dominate homes this year. Color People are craving comfort, warmth and serenity. This is reflected by the emerging color schemes dominated by the light and warm neutrals like beige, cream and sand, as well…

These Colors Of The Year 2021 Are Great for Home Decor

This year, PANTONE announced not one but two colors of the year: PANTONE 17-5104 Ultimate Gray + PANTONE 13-0647 Illuminating yellow. They describe the combination as practical and rock solid but at the same time warming and optimistic: the union of strength and positivity. It’s the color story that encapsulates deeper feelings of thoughtfulness with…

How to Update Your Holiday Decor This Season

It’s time to infuse your abode with the holiday spirit! This is a good year to update your holiday decor and add some fresh cheer to your old pieces. Start with what you have to see what is missing, looks tired, or doesn’t go well with the rest. Our inspiration board can help you decide…

5 Things You Need to Create a Home Office

If you find yourself moving between the couch and kitchen counter while trying to work from home, it’s time to save your sanity and create a designated office area. The truth is, you only need 5 things and one morning to set up a home office that will ensure some much needed peace and increased…

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