Since I was young, I've been captivated by the essence of home—what makes it feel inviting, comforting, and uniquely personal. Growing up, our house was always busy with activity, thanks to my mom's enjoyment for hosting fun-themed parties. Looking back, I realize that my love for creating inviting spaces truly began then, because of the welcoming, fun home she created.

In 2017, I decided to channel my passion into something tangible by creating Decluttering Groups on Facebook. My aim was simple: to assist busy moms in organizing their homes while earning a modest income to rent a small office space for myself in downtown Burlington. Surpassing my initial goal, I found myself with requests for interior design assistance from beyond the virtual group.

Despite the doubts and challenges that arose, Inviting Interiors was born. What began as a humble venture soon blossomed into a full-fledged family endeavor, fueled by  dedication and hard work.  Jon has joined as our General Contractor—an integral part of our team, bringing his visionary perspective and steadfast commitment to our clients.

Jon is our General Contractor - Together, we are the perfect combination of design and client advocacy.

Jon has always possessed a natural talent for working with his hands and devising innovative solutions to complex challenges. Whether crafting custom functional art pieces or managing full-scale renovations, he takes immense pride in transforming the ordinary into the extraordinary.  By combining our individual talents and passions, we offer a distinctive service that marries creativity with functionality.

Throughout our nearly two-decade marriage, Jon and I have weathered life's experiences together—from navigating the joys and trials of parenthood to overcoming personal losses and professional transitions. Through it all, we've remained committed to our shared pursuit of dreams, determined to instill in our children the value of resilience and the rewards of taking risks.

We are grateful for the support of our community and clients. We believe in delivering content that enriches lives, saves time, and brings joy. 

With our roots firmly planted in North Carolina, we eagerly anticipate where this road will lead us next. Thank you for being a part of our story and success—we're excited to have you along for the ride!

Inviting Interiors Behind The Scenes!

Have you ever wondered what goes on behind the scenes of our creative process here at Inviting Interiors? Well, today, we're pulling back the curtain to reveal the three secret ingredients that fuel our inspiration and shape our designs.

• Asking the Right Questions: At the heart of every successful design project lies a simple yet powerful concept—asking the right questions.  Before we dive into the nitty-gritty details, we take the time to truly understand our clients' needs, preferences, and lifestyle.  By uncovering their unique story (and maybe a few treasures hidden in the attic), we lay the foundation for a design that not only looks stunning but also feels deeply personal, meaningful and functional. 

• Endless Selection of Samples:  With our extensive selection of materials and finishes, the possibilities are truly endless. Whether you're drawn to earthy neutrals, bold pops of color, or intricate patterns, we have the perfect palette to bring your vision to life.  We bring large paint samples, fabrics, tiles, rug samples and finishes directly into your home.  Having a wide selection of products at our fingertips gives us clear direction and instant inspiration.

• Everyday Life as Inspiration:  They say that inspiration is all around us, and we couldn't agree more. From the vibrant hues of a bustling farmers' market to the serene beauty of a sunset-streaked sky, everyday life is a constant source of inspiration for our designs. We believe that your home should be a reflection of your personal journey and the moments that matter most to you. Whether it's a cherished family heirloom, a favorite travel destination, or a beloved hobby, we draw inspiration from the moments that make you, you. 

In conclusion, inspiration is everywhere—you just have to know where to look. By asking the right questions, exploring our vast selection of samples, and drawing inspiration from everyday life, we create designs that are as unique and individual as you are.

Schedule a call with us now!

From Mental Health to General Contracting

In 2006 I began a career in Mental Health.  Over the years I got to serve in a wide range of capacities, in both the community and the Military.  Some of which included Intensive In-Home work with families, the development and management of a Juvenile Structured Day Program, Individual and Group Outpatient Therapy and as a Behavioral Health Officer in the NC Army National Guard.  Over those years I was also honing my skills in the areas of creating commissioned, functional art pieces and building unique structures.  Looking back, there’s no doubt the stars aligned when I decided to join Candice (life and business partner) full-time.  

Sure, the journey has been long and difficult at times, especially with a deployment to the Middle East - right as COVID was hitting!  But I can only stand amazed at how much my work in Mental Health was preparing me for this moment in time.  I’ve learned so much from working with a wide range of clients over the years.  Some of which includes problem solving, conflict resolution and communication skills.  Of course such skills can be learned no matter the client base, but particularly in the field of Mental Health getting these things wrong can be detrimental.  And when gotten right, the possibilities can be truly life-changing!  Preventing and responding to crises, getting to the root of problems and identifying “Win-Win” solutions have become second nature to me.  More importantly, maintaining an openness to learning allows me the opportunity and freedom to serve in a very client-centered manner.  Such characteristics allow me to face challenges with optimism and situational awareness, which can prevent awkward moments and unnecessary conflict with trades, inspectors and clients.   

Most of us have heard at least a few horror stories pertaining to contractors.  The ones I often hear and unfortunately have witnessed have involved poor communication, lack of follow-through and on some occasions theft.  The reasons for such customer experiences can range from a contractor having a scarcity mentality, poor organizational skills or simply not willing to face certain fears.  But I see no problem with acknowledging and owning up to inadequacies and seeking to make things right by the client.  Otherwise, I’d be missing out on some amazing opportunities for personal growth and client satisfaction.

Whether talking about a customer’s project, my relationship with my wife and kids or the legacy I’ll one day leave behind, keeping the “End in Mind” is a skill that’s absolutely vital in Mental Health work.  It is a skill that also proves invaluable in the Interior Design and Renovation business.  I’m truly grateful for the experience I’ve gained and for the client’s who entrust us with their homes.  

Book a call with our General Contractor today!

5 Home Trends for 2024 from Inviting Interiors, Home Renovation and Interior Design in North Carolina.

2 Special Interest Rooms With the rise of remote work, we've had to rethink how we use our homes. Consider transforming underutilized spaces into special interest rooms, such as a rarely-used dining room into a library and game room, or a guest bedroom into a craft and sewing space. 

If you are hoping to add a fun hobby to 2024 consider devoting a space in your home to something you love.

3  Wallpaper and unique murals are gaining popularity and are here to stay. Experimenting with bold colors or unique designs does not have to be intimidating.  Consider transforming your laundry room or basement walls with bold wallpaper or an eye-catching mural.  Bold isn't just for walls, consider incorporating bold colors through accessories, vases, art, and lamps. 

Of course if you need expert help, we know some people. 

The busier we get the more we crave "retreat time". 

Outdated bathrooms don't exactly have spa vibes.  We are seeing a push for not just updating bathrooms but turning them into true spa-like settings.  A place to wind down at the end of the day. 

Overhauling your bathroom not in the budget this year? 

Upgrade your towels, trade in your mix-matched tired towels to something plush and white for a clean calm look and feel.  Adding essential oils, candles and fresh greenery are other budget friendly ways to treating yourself to a spa experience in your own home. 

4 & 5 Go hand in hand. 

Vintage and Antique pieces added to your space will help you achieve a more layered and custom feel to your home. 

I personally love scouting antique shops for vintage lamps. Grey and white are moving out to make room for the new neutral (that I feel will never go out of style) which is brown. 

We'll continue to see brown tones in furniture, cabinets, natural wall treatments and accents.  Wanting to add a trend or two to your home and don't know where to begin?  We offer a Room Refresh Service to give you the updated space you've always wanted. 

Interested in these home trends? Schedule a call with us now and we will help you make your dream a reality.

Candice Garner, your favorite Burlington, NC home designer

Jonathan Garner, licensed General Contractor.

Wellness Wednesday- The positive Impact of Pets

Every Wednesday, we focus on tips for wellness, and this week, we’re taking a closer look at the positive impact of pets. Recent studies have shown that owning pets can decrease stress levels by up to 69%.  Do you find this true in your own life?

When we purchased our land and decided to move to the cabin, our children were promised goats if they helped build the fence and pay for it.  Four years ago, we made that promise a reality, and with lots of hard work and planning, Jon and Ava finished the fence and welcomed five new "friends" to the farm – two Anatolian Shepherd puppies and three Nigerian Dwarf goats.

Caring for these animals has taught us about responsibility, love, and the inevitable ups and downs of life.  Although animals are not immune to life's challenges, they bring so much joy and purpose to our lives.  Our children love showing them off to their friends, and there's nothing quite like playing with a baby goat.

As we focus on wellness, we're grateful for the animals we have and the vast space for them to roam and grow.  Taking our dog Oak for a walk or watching the goats run and jump is an excellent way to unwind and appreciate nature's simple pleasures.  While owning pets does come with responsibility, it also brings a sense of purpose to our lives.

If you're considering a home renovation and want to ensure that your pets are included in the design process, we take all pets and people into consideration when delivering our designs and plans.

  Book your Discovery Call today

Inviting Interiors, Home Renovation, and Interior Design in North Carolina

Located in Graham, NC and proudly serving Greensboro, Burlington, Mebane, Hillsborough, Chapel Hill, and Pittsboro.

Top 5 Destroyers of a Home

Owning a home is a huge investment; so the need to protect it is a no-brainer!  I thought it’d be helpful to share some of the top destroyers of homes, ones that I’ve observed over the years, and how such problems can be avoided.

Water

The number one destroyer of homes overtime.

#1 Water is probably by far the top destroyer of homes.  Often long before we become aware of it, gutters get stopped up.  Their inability to flow properly results in water and ice buildup.  When gutters overflow they can push water up under the roof and down inside of walls.  This can go undetected, until major property damage is done or until a thorough inspection.  Signs of stopped up gutters you can spot from the ground: leaf buildup; plants sprouting out of your gutters; water marks/stains coming from behind the gutters and running down the wall of the home; gutters pulling away/falling from the facia as a result of the extra weight.  

Be careful not to assume that gutter guards are doing the job.  Sometimes the guards only make matters worse.  As they can prevent you from seeing the debris buildup (tiny particles) inside the gutters.

Even clean gutters may not be functional.  If not piped far enough away from the home, your gutters may be dumping all that water right next to your home's foundation, making it’s way under your crawlspace or concrete slab.  

Poor grading (a yard sloped toward a home) can cause major water issues.  If water isn’t diverted around the house, it likely runs underneath, resulting in foundation erosion and increased settling and humidity.  Some signs to look for: cracked foundation walls; a moldy crawl space; spongy floors; dank smell within the home. 

I recommended having gutters cleaned no less than twice yearly, once or more after the leaves fall and in the spring.  Downspout screens can prevent debris from entering and sopping up the downspout. 

Carpenter Ants

Can eat away at the structural integrity of your siding and framing.

#2 Insects Most homeowners have at least heard of the destruction termites can cause, as they can go undetected for years.  Like termites, powder post beatles, carpenter ants and carpenter bees gladly make their homes inside of wood.  They will eat away at the structural integrity of siding and framing, leaving only dust in their wake.

Often overlooked, mud dobbers can be seen building their flute-like nests on a homes exterior walls.  Their nests leave nasty stains, especially difficult to remove from wood siding.  However, I’ve also seen vents and air conditioner fans stopped up by their nests. 

Most insect issues can be effectively addressed by pest control services.  However, there are the more challenging ones, like carpenter bees.  Other tactics can help with this pest, such as carpenter bee traps hung under eves.

Trees

If you are like me and love your trees, have them inspected once a year.

#3 Trees Some folks love the asthetics and shade provided by trees around their homes.  However, along with the benefits they can provide, it’s important to consider the risks.  A tree falling in a storm can be a major problem, resulting in catastrophic damage to homes, sheds and vehicles.  Wind can give the final blow, but fallen trees were often first weakened by root rot or the ground loosening up from days or weeks of rain.  

More often, the damage caused by trees if the result of falling limbs and other tree debris.  Keep an eye out for dying limbs or ones that have broken loose and are hanging “by a limb!”  Also keep an eye out for apparent rot around the base and/or in veins running up the trunk, hollow spots or shedding bark.  However, even healthy trees can cause major damage.  Expanding roots can raise and crack sidewalks and foundations.   

If you are like me and love your trees, just inspect them at least once a year.  If feeling like you need a set of trained eyes on things, hire an arborist.  Otherwise, basic trimming and dead limb removal may be enough to keep your home safe.  

Ivy

Trap moisture in siding and brick and mortar.

#4 Vines such as English Ivy can add a great aesthetic effect to a home.  But the damage vines cause are slow and can be major.  They trap moisture in siding and brick mortar.  Over time wood rot can migrate into the structural lumber and deteriorate mortar.

Vines also provide a route for insects and rodents to reside and travel safely to your home.  Ant colonies love the shelter provided by vines.  Common ants are bad enough, but as mentioned above carpenter ants are no joke! 

If you choose to have vines around your home, simply keep them cut back, preventing them from creeping up the walls or into your crawlspace vents.  I’ve found the easiest way to trim such vines is with a weed eater.   

Theft

Security signs can make some intruders think twice about approaching your home.

#5 Theft is a less common consideration when it comes to potential home destroyers and for good reason.  Personal safety and lost property are often the bigger concerns with such events.  However, I’m including theft on this list, since many such acts result in damage to property at entry points (i.e. broken glass and door jambs), even if the intruder is unsuccessful in their attempt.

Here are a few deterrents to theft:  Cameras - The idea of criminal acts being caught on camera is a major deterrent for most.  If you are not ready to drop the cash on real cameras, dummy/fake cameras are available at a fraction of the cost and can be an effective start.

Security signs, especially ones indicating that cameras are on site (even if there are none) can make some intruders think twice about approaching your home.

Motion lights offer a convenient deterrent, along with providing the occupants visibility when needed.  The surprise of a light coming on can be enough to make a potential thief do a 180.

We can help you solve these problems, schedule a call with us now!

Inviting Interiors, Home Renovation and Interior Design in North Carolina

Located in Graham, Nc and proudly serving Greensboro, Burlington, Mebane, Hillsborough, Chapel Hill, and Pittsboro.

Inviting Interiors Year in Review!

January Lots of snuggles with our new niece Izzy Lou, what a blessing!  Work still was developing on Jon’s office above the workshop.  Stud walls up and the stairway is almost complete!  We also finished our install on this beautiful sunroom. 

February-March  We welcomed a new goat to the farm, meet Apollo!   Loved installing these custom drapes to our client's dining room, the perfect way to complete a space.  Plus we said happy birthday to our favorite General Contractor! 

April-May Spring Furniture Market in High Point never disappoints!  We gain so much inspiration from this event twice a year.  May came with another birthday celebration AND baseball! 

June-July - New designs, and saying goodbye to School and hello to vacation!  A much-needed break.  We have new custom projects scheduled this month as well…let the plans begin.  We also went on our first business retreat, something we look forward to making happen again in the coming year. 

August-September  New installs and designs coming to life, 2 of our favorite things!  And the month wouldn’t be complete without celebrating our favorite 9 year old!

October-December 2 Business Conferences during this time.  One to Colorado for Jon and one to Florida for Candice. Always looking to grow and learn in this business!  We welcomed a new assistant and celebrated birthdays and all the special family Holidays as well.  

We appreciate your part in our journey and look forward to having you along for the ride in 2024!  

Inviting Interiors, Home Renovation, and Interior Design in North Carolina

Located in Graham, Nc and proudly serving Greensboro, Burlington, Mebane, Hillsborough, Chapel Hill, and Pittsboro.

Pausing for a moment when things don’t seem perfect

It can be difficult, especially this time of year, to appreciate the less than perfect moments (and people) in our lives.  Long before there was Inviting Interiors we had a small Counseling Company called One Life Coaching.  During this time we learned so much about communication and appreciating the potential in others.  As we learn to appreciate the unique qualities of those around us, we are better able to see the potential in the spaces and places we inhabit.

Take, for example, a tree. A tree that has grown in a less-than-ideal environment may have branches that twist and turn in unusual ways. It may have scars from previous damage, or knots that interrupt the flow of its bark. However, we don't see these as flaws. Instead, we call them "character".   We appreciate the way the way the tree has adapted to its surroundings and the marks that tell its story.

Similarly, we should also learn to appreciate the oddities in ourselves and others. Rather than striving for perfection, we should embrace our quirks and differences. It's our unique experiences and perspectives that make us who we are, and we should celebrate that.

Learning to appreciate oddities can also lead to personal growth. When we accept our imperfections, we become more comfortable in our own skin. We can focus less on trying to fit into a certain mold and more on being true to ourselves. This allows us to pursue our passions and goals with more confidence and authenticity.

Let's take a lesson from the tree and learn to appreciate the oddities in ourselves and others. Embracing our imperfections can lead to greater self-acceptance, personal growth, and a more creative life. So the next time you see a tree with an unusual branch or knot, remember that it's just adding to its character – and the same goes for you.

Inviting Interiors, Home Renovation, and Interior Design in North Carolina

Located in Graham, Nc and proudly serving Greensboro, Burlington, Mebane, Hillsborough, Chapel Hill, and Pittsboro.

Top 3 Frustrations Homeowners face while trying to manage their own Renovation.

Renovating a home can be an exciting process, but it can also be a frustrating one, particularly if you try to manage the project yourself. Here are the top three common frustrations homeowners face while trying to manage their own renovation. 

1. Design:  While some showrooms and manufacturers offer free “design” services, often they don’t take into consideration the rest of your home.  It can be difficult to achieve a cohesive design that you will be happy with years down the road.  Additionally, if you are working on your own to come up with designs, layouts AND specific products this can become overwhelming very quickly.  Did you know the average renovation requires 15,000 decisions?  A bulk of those decisions are the initial designs. 

2. Difficulty Getting a Crew Together:  Managing a renovation project can be stressful when everyone does show up, but what about getting those initial people in place to begin with?  Coordinating multiple trade professionals to come out and quote the job is time consuming.  The follow up after is often delayed as well.  Without a professional to manage this aspect it can quickly become overwhelming.   

3. Over Budget:  Another common frustration is going over budget. It's easy to underestimate the cost of materials and labor, and unexpected expenses can quickly add up.  If you don't have experience managing a project of this scale it can be easy to go over budget. 

Overall, while managing your own renovation project may seem like a good idea, it can often lead to frustration, delays, budget overruns, and stress. Hiring a professional interior design and home renovation company to manage the project from start to finish can help ensure that the designs, the work and trades are managed well and the project stays within budget.  

Schedule a call with us and leave the frustration behind!

Inviting Interiors, Home Renovation, and Interior Design in North Carolina

Located in Graham, Nc and proudly serving Greensboro, Burlington, Mebane, Hillsborough, Chapel Hill, and Pittsboro.

3 Tips to Reduce Overwhelm this Holiday Season.

The holiday season can be a time of joy and celebration. However, it can also be a time of stress and overwhelm. Here are three ways I’m trying to be more mindful this season and a few tips for you along the way. 

1-Practice Gratitude: Take time each day to reflect on what you are grateful for. This is huge and immediately shifts your focus from what you lack, to what you have.  Stay off social media for a bit if you notice yourself feeling anxious!  We are constantly bombarded with ads and people telling us what we NEED, this can make our lives feel inadequate.  As I am laying in bed each night a great practice for me is reflecting on all the things I am grateful for.  Go to bed with a heart of gratitude. 

2-Set Boundaries: It is important to set boundaries during the holiday season. This means saying no to events or obligations that do not align with your values or priorities. Even if you get energy from being around people, be sure to carve out time for yourself this season.  I’m planning a day at home to watch movies and wrap Christmas gifts…..by myself!

3- Make it simple:  Life is busy enough without all the extras that come along with holidays.  During this time I am focusing on simple, simple dinners as this is often an overwhelming task for me when I am extra busy.  Normally, I love cooking, but when I am overbooked dinner is the last thing I want to worry about.  Be okay with crockpot dinners, frozen pizza or maybe a quick shake.   

We are in your corner and cheering you on!  Do you want to feel more at home and peaceful by this time NEXT year? 

Book a call, we’d love to help create a vision for your home!

Inviting Interiors, Home Renovation, and Interior Design in North Carolina

Located in Graham, Nc and proudly serving Greensboro, Burlington, Mebane, Hillsborough, Chapel Hill, and Pittsboro.