Life Refined with StyleRefined

One of the coolest things about our community are the amazing small businesses that populate this area.  Whether it's a bricks and mortar store, or a mobile come-to-wherever-you-are service, I love learning about these opportunities to benefit from the gifts and talents of others.  

StyleRefined is one of those come-to-wherever-you-need businesses.  When I first met its founder and owner Nicole Pedron, I was struck by her polished and confident, yet warm, down to earth, and welcoming demeanor.  When I learned about her lifestyle company "specializing in fashion, interiors and etiquette", I was hooked. I mean, come on. These services work on pretty much every level with me. Naturally though, I had some questions about how all of this works, and Nicole was kind of enough to give me some insight.

First off, what exactly do your services entail?


Nicole states, "I am a lifestyle consultant.  Lots of people wonder what that means. Everybody has a part of their life that needs me.  It may be a nightmare closet, a house that needs staging for sale or a fresh look, a wardrobe that just doesn’t make you feel pretty (handsome), or a refresher in minding your P’s & Q’s.  I particularly love travel etiquette, setting you up for a successful adventure in a foreign country, and personal shopping. I am always down to shop and treasure hunt!"

These are all areas of our lives that I think most people could use some guidance in. What drew you to the aspects of this business?

"One thing sort of led to another.  Fashion is my original passion. Shopping is right up there too!  Fashion blended into interiors because dressing your body is like decorating a room.  Etiquette was already a major part of my upbringing. I will say the travel etiquette piece became a passion project because I was witnessing the travesties of some Americans overseas when it came to respecting other cultures or attempting a foreign language.  We began to hear foreign friends talk negatively of Americans in their countries and decided something needed to be done to improve the overall impression we were leaving! It became apparent that equipping travelers for their upcoming experience was a small way to help. It all just naturally occurred really."

So, what kind of clients need this business, and what exactly would a first visit involve?

"Everyone needs my services!  Kidding, but not really. We all have those spots in our home that we would rather keep company-free.  We all have job interviews or future mother in law meetings we stress over. These life moments can be a bit more calming with an organized life and self-confidence.  I like to think I’m bringing a bit of joy into someone’s world when they hire me.

A home staging consult is a walking tour of your home where I point out items to remove and box or suggest a different arrangement of furniture to create more welcoming and open places.  I then prepare a “showing prep” binder to help you manage the number of tasks it takes to get your home ready for showings, sometimes with only a moment notice.

Initial consults are full of many questions and note taking.  We formulate a plan and get to work. If it is a travel etiquette consult, we meet to discuss destinations and plans while you’re there.  Previous travel experience, kids coming along and any food allergies are covered as well.

I probably should have just said “Painless.  First meetings are painless! We chat, have some coffee and get our plan of attack organized."

Now, as a realtor, the home staging part really intrigues me, because I spend a lot of time explaining how not only is a beautifully appointed home important for living in, but also for getting it sold! Your thoughts?

"Staging is 100% necessary.  NECESSARY. I think the problem lies in people’s understanding of staging.  Many believe “staging” is a huge expense and upheaval. Most associate home staging with a full-service company bringing all new furnishings into your home and view it as a luxury or as an insult.  

Staging is just the term for setting your home up for its’ optimal visual qualities to appeal to strangers on a deeply personal & emotional level.  Removing your personal belongings and memories opens space for others to insert their own. Fact is, home buyers need help imagining their families in homes they tour.  They need room to dream.

Staging, from my perspective, is a joint process between the homeowner and myself to wade through the personal objects, boxing them up for their new destination, while using neutral pieces (often already on hand) to beckon a new owner in.  You likely have more than enough in your current possession to stage your home beautifully. Fold the towels nicely in the closet and be sure the carpet is vacuumed. The simple things!

When you get dressed in the morning, throwing on sweats and heading to work isn’t an option.  You have to put a little effort in and pull yourself together. This often results in a confidence boost when you leave the house and present yourself to the world.  Same goes for your home. It is on display for others. Give it a confidence boost and decorate it well. Give it personality, soul, character. When you return home at the end of a long day, the house should be warm and inviting as much as those comfy sweats you’re running towards are.  

The downside of staging is that your idea of warm and cozy may be being surrounded by family photos.  Since you have made the decision to sell the house, you have to begin the process of removing those items that are precious to you.  This can result in the home feeling foreign to you and no longer that inviting place to relax at the end of the day. However, staging doesn’t have to take the character away from the home.  BONUS: a well-staged home can increase the selling price. Just keep that in mind when you’re wrapping the wedding pictures…they’ll look gorgeous in your new home!

Clean, organized, loved and cared for.  If your home is described as this, others will be drawn to it like moths to a flame.  Bad metaphor, but you get the point!"

Seriously, you are speaking my language. However, I know that I'm a huge bargain shopper, plus I've seen shows like "What Not to Wear" or home make-over shows, and holy price tag! Is this going to break the bank for the average person?

"There is definitely a cost associated with these services but I strive to be reasonable and competitive with others offering similar services", explains Nicole.  "An initial home staging consult is $75. If the owner would prefer, I can do the work (not just advise) for $50/hr. A wardrobe consult is $300. That includes a closet visit and catalog, along with a shared Pinterest board for shopping and outfit inspiration.  There is a cost per hour or a percentage of purchases for personal shopping.

I love to work with clients of all budgets and do not feel anyone should be excluded based on their budget.  Contact me and we’ll talk it through to make sure there is mutual benefit!"

Nicole Pedron withStyleRefined is available for consultation sessions, and can be reached at 623-249-9803, or at Nicole@stylerefined.com. Also, check out her website and blog at www.stylerefined.com, which include pictures, testimonials, and more info about these great services!