Your Living Room Transformation: Investment Tiers That Fit Your Style and Budget

The living room is the heart of the home—a place where you gather, unwind, and make lasting memories. But when it comes to updating your space, knowing where to start can feel overwhelming. That’s why we’ve created a clear, tiered investment guide to help you envision your dream living room and choose the best path forward.

Three Tailored Tiers for Every Transformation

1. Stylish Refresh $13,000+

Sometimes, a small change makes the biggest difference. This tier is perfect for homeowners looking to enhance their living room’s style without extensive renovations. A Stylish Refresh includes:

• Updated seating, accent pillows, and end tables

• A new area rug and accent lighting

• A reimagined layout for better flow and cohesion

This option is ideal for creating a fresh, polished look while keeping the existing structure of your space intact.

Accent lighting

2. Elegant Overhaul $23,000+

Ready to elevate your living room to the next level? The Elegant Overhaul combines premium furniture, a refined layout, and elevated décor to create a cohesive and stylish environment. With this tier, you’ll receive:

• High-quality furniture and semi-custom drapery

• A fresh paint color and updated overhead lighting

• Thoughtfully curated décor that reflects your personality

This option is great for homeowners seeking a balanced blend of function and sophistication without major construction.

Updated leather seating

3. Grand Haven $38,000+

For those dreaming of a complete transformation, the Grand Haven tier offers a fully customized redesign. Every detail is thoughtfully crafted to capture your unique aesthetic. This comprehensive package includes:

• A new coat of paint and updates to your fireplace, built-ins, or flooring

• Custom seating, accent lighting, and custom window treatments

• Decorative pillows, rugs, artwork, and other finishing touches

This tier is for homeowners looking to create a one-of-a-kind living room that truly feels like home.

Custom sofas, pillows and draperies

Why Start With a Plan?

Each tier is designed to provide clarity, balance, and the flexibility to meet your specific needs. Starting with an in-person consultation allows us to:

• Accurately measure and assess your space

• Tailor recommendations to your home and style preferences

• Offer investment options that align with your budget

While pricing is a starting point and excludes tax and freight charges, we take pride in offering transparency and guidance throughout the entire process.

Let’s Bring Your Vision to Life

Whether you’re looking for a quick refresh or a complete overhaul, our team is here to help you create a living room that reflects your personality and lifestyle.

Explore the possibilities, and take the first step toward your dream living room!

Home Maintenance Does Not Have to be Difficult

We all have some idea as to why maintenance of any sort (health, relationships, home) is crucial. It’s not difficult coming up with a list of reasons to put first things first. We may think to ourselves, Of course exercising and eating a little better would drastically improve how I feel, increase my ability to perform everyday tasks and add years to my life. No doubt, setting aside more time for my loved ones and speaking more kindly to them would enhance the quality of my relationships. Obviously, taking care of the small things around my home, before little issues become major headaches, would be well worth the investment! So why is it so difficult to be more proactive?

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we will check all windows and doors for functions and seals

The reasons for putting maintenance off can range from not feeling as though we have enough time, knowledge or money. Sometimes we assume ignoring a problem will magically make it go away - or at least give us more time to get other, “more pressing matters” in order first. And all the while the issues get worse! Our health continues to decline, we miss valuable opportunities to give and receive in relationships and our biggest financial investments (our homes) incur costly damage. All of which fuels a discouraging cycle, feeling constant defeat, as we struggle to play catch-up. And we forfeit other life-giving opportunities, because our resources are diverted to making unexpected and costly repairs. 

Even when we decide it’s time to take action, we can feel paralyzed, not knowing where to start. Who do we trust to give us good advice? How can we know who will be reliable? How can we know how much it’s gonna cost to get on top of things? Unfortunately, many folks have had horrible experiences with contractors and other service providers. Many are hesitant to trust again. While others have decided that unprofessional services are par for the course and have essentially settled with the idea that to ask for help will lead to another bad experience. 

As homeowners ourselves and having been in the home service industry for years, we’ve witnessed it all! But we believe you deserve to be empowered. We believe that our clients should be equipped with a plan for their homes and provided the services necessary to execute that plan in an efficient manner. Your time and brainspace should be filled with doing the things you love, not fretting over the things that you should be able to trust the experts with.

Your time should be filled with doing the things you love…

not fretting over the things that you should be able to trust experts with.

There are a ton of great resources out there that can help you gain a sense of control over your health and social life. And I wouldn’t recommend putting those things off any longer. What we can help with is getting a handle on your home. And that’s why we’ve developed the Care and Repair Plan for homeowners. It takes the dread out of home maintenance. 

The Inviting Homes Care and Repair Plan includes:

• A Yearly Home Inspection - From the attic to the crawlspace and everything in between.

• A Home Maintenance Plan - tailored specifically to your home’s needs.

• Quarterly Visits - we do the basics (change air and water filters, batteries in smoke and carbon monoxide detectors and light bulbs).

• We provide access to trusted service providers.

• Homeowners are priority when it comes to minor and major repairs and larger projects.

Kitchen maintenance

Simply put, we make the home maintenance process easy! This plan is ideal for elderly clients who are no longer able to manage tasks independently, as well as busy homeowners seeking a reliable advocate for all their home-related needs.

We provide a comprehensive plan for addressing immediate needs and preventing catastrophes. You’ll have a realistic idea of the investments necessary to properly care for your home, so you can adequately budget and not get caught off guard.

Home maintenance really doesn’t have to be hard!

3 Tips to Simplify your Life

Designing “inviting interiors” is our expertise. But sometimes enhancing day-to-day environments through preparation, scheduling, and innovative ideas is necessary. Here are some useful tips we live by and a new approach we're experimenting with this back-to-school season.

1. Quick Breakfast Idea: Chicken Mini Dupe Mondays

Mondays can be a drag, especially when it comes to getting everyone up and ready for the day. That’s why we’ve introduced "Chicken Mini Mondays" in our household. This protein-packed breakfast is not only delicious but also incredibly easy to prepare. Whether you’re using the oven or an air fryer, these mini chicken sandwiches are a hit with both kids and adults alike. By combining these nuggets with this bread you get something that tastes like the famous ones.

Why It Works:

• Routine: By dedicating Mondays to this specific breakfast, you eliminate the morning decision-making fatigue. Everyone knows what to expect, and you can focus on getting out the door on time.

• Convenience: The ingredients are easy to find in the freezer section of your grocery store, making it a no-brainer to keep on hand.

• Energy Boost: Packed with protein, these chicken minis provide the fuel needed to kickstart the week.

2. Lunch Organization: Centralized Snack Station

Packing lunches doesn’t have to be a chore when you have a system in place. One of the most effective strategies we’ve found is organizing all the lunch containers and snacks in a central location. For us, that means the pantry. By keeping everything in one place, you can streamline the lunch-packing process and make it easy for the kids to grab what they need.

Why It Works:

• Efficiency: No more searching through multiple cabinets or drawers. When everything is in one spot, you can pack lunches faster and with less stress.

• Empowerment: Kids can easily help themselves, making it easier for them to participate in the lunch-packing routine.

• Variety: Keep the pantry stocked with a variety of lunch items like simple charcuterie ingredients, PB+J supplies, and salad fixings so there’s always something tasty to choose from.

3. Health Tip: The “Sick Bin” Strategy

Let’s face it, back-to-school also means back-to-germs. While you can’t avoid every cold or flu, you can be prepared. Enter the “Sick Bin”—a small container filled with essentials like tissues, hand sanitizer, cough drops, and more. Having this bin ready to go makes it easier to handle sickness when it inevitably strikes.

Why It Works:

• Preparation: When someone starts to feel under the weather, you won’t have to scramble for supplies—they’re already organized and ready to go.

• Peace of Mind: Knowing you have a plan in place can reduce the stress and worry that comes with sick days.

• Health Habits: Encourage your kids to wash their hands, take their vitamins, and stay hydrated to minimize the chances of getting sick.

Pro Tip: Include disposable gloves and a fresh toothbrush for each family member in the sick bin. When illness hits, it’s a small but significant step in preventing the spread of germs.

By incorporating these tips into your routine, you can make the back-to-school season a little less stressful and a lot more manageable.

Tips for Selecting the Perfect Lighting for your Dining Room

Traditional with a twist

Before diving into lighting options, consider the primary purpose of your dining room. Is it primarily used for formal dining occasions, casual family meals, or multi-functional gatherings? Understanding the room's function will guide your lighting choices.

1. Size Matters:

The size of your dining room plays a significant role in determining the scale of your lighting fixtures. A large dining room may accommodate a statement chandelier or multiple pendant lights, while a smaller space may require more modest fixtures to avoid overwhelming the room. So many times I see light fixtures far too small for the space, especially in Dining Rooms. When selecting a chandelier or pendant lights for your dining room table, consider the scale of the fixture in relation to the table below. A general rule of thumb is to choose a fixture that is approximately one-third the width of the table for optimal visual balance.

2. Consider the Ceiling Height:

The height of your dining room ceiling can influence the type of lighting fixtures that work best. For rooms with low ceilings, flush mount or semi-flush mount fixtures provide ample illumination without encroaching on head space. Conversely, high ceilings offer an opportunity to showcase grand chandeliers or pendant lights that draw the eye upward.

3. Match the Style:

Your lighting fixtures should complement the overall style and aesthetic of your dining room. Whether your decor is traditional, contemporary, or somewhere in between, choose lighting fixtures that harmonize with existing furnishings and design elements for a cohesive look.

4. Control the Mood:

We love a dimmer switch! Installing dimmer switches gives you the flexibility to adjust the intensity of your dining room lighting to suit different occasions and moods. Dimming the lights creates a warm and inviting atmosphere for intimate dinners, while brighter settings are ideal for lively gatherings or focused tasks.

5. Balance Functionality and Style:

While aesthetics are important, prioritize functionality when selecting lighting for your dining room. Ensure that your chosen fixtures provide adequate illumination for dining activities while still enhancing the room's visual appeal.

6. Seek Inspiration:

Finally, gather inspiration from design magazines, Pinterest, Instagram or blog pages you love to follow. Pay attention to how different lighting styles and fixtures are used to create inviting dining environments, and adapt those ideas to suit your own space. We love offering renderings to our clients so they can truly see what their space COULD look like.

Still need help? We’d love to assist you with a lighting upgrade for your home.

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.