Window treatments are often overlooked because, when done well, they blend seamlessly into a home’s design. Yet when they’re not thoughtfully chosen, they stick out like a sore thumb. Keep reading to get a designer’s intel on how to avoid common mistakes that can throw off your entire room.
Mistake #1: Mounting Treatments Too Low or Too Narrow
Mounting window treatments too low or too narrow can make ceilings feel lower, windows look smaller, and the entire room appear cramped. To avoid this, always hang curtains high and wide. Allow 10-12 inches on either side of the window frame. To create the illusion of height and spaciousness, mount the curtain rod as close to the ceiling as possible.
Mistake #2: Choosing the Wrong Curtain Length
Window treatments that are too short can look awkward and unfinished. Overly long ones may bunch messily on the floor, much like a pair of pants that don’t quite fit. Just as you’d tailor clothing for the right look, curtains should be measured precisely. Always measure from the rod to just a few inches above the floor. Don’t forget to consider the ring size!
Mistake #3: Using Too Little Material
Curtains should cover the entire window and then some. If the curtains aren’t wide enough, they will sit flat on the window with no dimension. To ensure treatments drape beautifully both open and closed, aim for 2 to 2.5 times the width of the window.
Pro Tip: Place one curtain ring or grommet on the outside of the bracket to keep it in place.
Mistake #4 Forgetting Functionality
Outside of aesthetics, what is the purpose of the window treatments? Maybe you need blackout lining for privacy purposes, motorized for high ceilings or convenience, light-filtering for sun-facing windows.
Window treatments should enhance the space without drawing attention. Don’t be afraid to think outside the box! Layer sheers over blackout curtains for alternating uses and a luxurious look. Roller or woven shades add natural texture with functional perks.
How to Prepare for Your Interior Design Consultation: 3 Tips for Busy Homeowners Who Want Effortless, Elevated Spaces
If you’re investing in a beautifully designed home, your interior design consultation is the first step toward achieving a space that’s both polished and perfectly tailored to your lifestyle.
At Mickler & Co., we work with discerning homeowners who appreciate thoughtful design, high-quality furnishings, and the peace of mind that comes from trusting professionals to handle every detail. Whether you’re planning to refresh a single room or reimagine your entire home, here’s how to prepare for a design consultation that sets the tone for a seamless, full-service experience.
1. Share Your Vision, Not the Details
You don’t need to have it all figured out—that’s our job. But it’s helpful to think about how your home needs to work for you. Do you host often? Have young children or pets? Want to feel more at ease and inspired in your day-to-day routine?
A few insights into how you live will help us shape a design plan that’s both functional and effortlessly elevated.
2. Reflect, Don’t Research
There’s no need to fall down a Pinterest rabbit hole. Instead, jot down a few things you know you like (and don’t). Tell us what’s working in your space—and what absolutely isn’t. We’ll guide you through the rest.
We’ll also talk about your investment range, key priorities, and any existing furnishings you want to incorporate. From there, we’ll build a plan that blends style and substance—without putting the pressure on you to figure it all out.
3. Trust the Process
You’ve chosen to work with a talented interior designer for a reason—to make your life easier and your home more beautiful. Our role is to bring clarity, creativity, and structure to a process that often overwhelms homeowners.
The best results happen when clients are open to new ideas and trust our expertise to translate their vision into a cohesive, magazine-worthy space that reflects their lifestyle and taste.
What to Expect from a Wilmington In-Home Design Consultation
Our in-home consultations in Wilmington, NC are relaxed but purposeful. In just one hour, we’ll assess your home, listen to your goals, and offer expert insights that lead to thoughtful, impactful design decisions. You’ll leave the meeting with a clear path forward—without having to micromanage a single step.
We serve clients in Wilmington and surrounding areas, delivering timeless, family-friendly interiors that are as functional as they are stunning.
Ready to Hand Off the Hard Work?
If you value great design but don’t have the time (or interest) to manage every detail yourself, we’re here to help. Our full-service approach allows you to step back while we take care of everything—from sourcing high-quality furnishings to final installation.
Schedule a discovery call to learn more or click HERE to schedule your Wilmington interior design consultation and let’s begin creating a space that feels like home, only better.
5 Reasons Why Home Staging Can Help Your Vacant Listing
Stepping into a beautifully designed home that caters to comfort invites you to relax, connect, and truly live. But when that same home stands empty, it feels hollow and unfinished —full of potential, yet lacking the warmth, texture, and soul that make a house feel like home.
Reason #1: Flaws Become the Focal Point
In vacant spaces, flaws such as awkward layouts, outdated fixtures, or even the smallest knicks on the trim become instantly noticeable. There’s nothing to distract or soften the eye. The right furnishings and thoughtful staging can completely transform these flaws, guiding the eye toward a room’s strengths and creating flow, function, and visual balance.
Reason #2: You Can’t Attract The Right Buyer
Home staging is about more than just decorating. It’s about strategically appealing to the right buyer for both the home and its neighborhood. Empty rooms don’t tell a story or help buyers visualize how they’ll live in the space, which can make a listing feel cold and uninspiring. Vacant homes on the MLS often get overlooked entirely, missing opportunities to connect with the right buyer.
Reason #3: Empty Rooms Feel Smaller
Contrary to popular belief, empty rooms often feel smaller because there’s no sense of scale or flow to guide the eye. The right furniture placement not only defines the purpose of each space but can also make rooms appear larger and more functional.
Reason #4: Unstaged Homes Lack Purpose
Nearly 70% of potential buyers struggle to imagine how they’d live in a vacant home, making it harder for them to see themselves living there. Without staging, rooms lack clear purpose. This leaves buyers guessing whether a space is meant to be a bedroom, an office, or just wasted square footage. Staging eliminates any guesswork, defining each room with clarity.
Reason #5: Vacant Listings Undervalue the Home
Staging plays a key role in establishing a home’s perceived value and justifying its price point. Empty rooms rarely create a sense of luxury or worth, making it harder for buyers to connect the space with a higher asking price. In contrast, well-staged rooms with stylish, comfortable furnishings instantly elevate a vacant home, making it feel more luxurious and absolutely worth the investment.
Not long ago, I had a potential client tell me we were much more expensive than another designer they’d met with. After a few follow-up questions, I realized they were comparing us—a full-service interior design firm—to a freelance designer and an in-store designer at a local furniture store. All talented professionals, no doubt. But we weren’t comparing apples to apples.
The truth is, most homeowners don’t realize how many different types of design services exist—and how different the pricing, scope, and overall experience can be. It’s easy to assume “designer” means the same thing across the board, but the behind-the-scenes setup of each business can look very different.
If you’re thinking about hiring a designer, here’s a quick breakdown of the most common types of design services, plus the pros and cons of each—so you can figure out which one makes the most sense for your project.
1. Independent Designer (Design-Only Services)
Many interior designers begin their careers as solo entrepreneurs, and some choose to stay that way. These designers typically focus on providing design guidance without directly selling furniture or décor. Instead, they might send clients shopping links to retail sites like West Elm, Pottery Barn, or Wayfair. Some use affiliate links, earning small commissions when clients make purchases through those recommendations.
Pros:
Typically lower design fees
Personalized, one-on-one service
Clients can shop at their own pace
Cons:
Limited access to trade-only or custom furnishings
The client is responsible for purchasing, coordinating delivery, and handling any damages or returns
Less control over the final result if items are backordered or unavailable
Good Fit For:
Homeowners who want design guidance but prefer to handle the purchasing and project management themselves.
2. Designer or Firm Using a Showroom Partner
Some designers work closely with local furniture showrooms or stores to source furniture and décor. In this arrangement, the designer places orders through the store, which takes care of receiving, inspecting, and storing the items. This setup allows designers access to high-end brands without having to meet the minimum order requirements that direct vendors often demand.
Pros:
Access to better quality and designer-only brands
The store handles logistics like shipping and storage
Designers can offer more cohesive, elevated results
Cons:
Limited to the lines the store or showroom carries
Designers may split their earnings with the store, which can affect pricing
Clients may experience longer lead times depending on the showroom’s schedule
Good Fit For:
Clients who want a polished result without the complications of managing orders and deliveries on their own.
3. Full-Service Designer (Design + Direct Furniture Sales)
The independent design service provided by firms like Mickler & Co. handle everything from start to finish—including design, product sourcing, ordering, shipping, receiving, and final installation. Full-service firms don’t rely on retail sites like Wayfair or Pottery Barn. Instead, we work directly with trade vendors to bring unique and uncommon, high-quality furnishings to our clients. We invest significant time researching, vetting, and building relationships with trusted vendors—allowing us to source distinctive pieces that aren’t available to the general public. This means better craftsmanship, more customization options, and a higher level of control over your project.
Pros:
A true turn-key experience
Access to exclusive brands, custom furnishings, and better quality
One point of contact for design, sourcing, and installation
Cons:
Typically a higher overall investment
Less flexibility for DIY-style collaboration
Not ideal for clients who prefer to shop themselves or stay hands-on
Good Fit For:
Busy homeowners and professionals who want a seamless, all-inclusive process and are ready to invest in quality.
4. In-House Designers at Furniture Stores
Many local and chain furniture stores employ in-house designers to help customers pull together rooms using the store’s inventory. These designers usually offer free or discounted services and earn commission based on what their clients purchase.
Pros:
No (or very low) design fees
Quick access to in-stock or quick-ship pieces
Helpful if you already know what store you want to shop
Cons:
Design recommendations are limited to what’s available in-store
The focus is often on selling rather than overall vision or planning
May not include installation, styling, or customization options
Good Fit For:
Clients looking to furnish a room quickly or who already plan to purchase from a specific store.
5. Design-Build Firms (Designer + Contractor)
Some firms offer both design and construction under one roof. These teams often include interior designers, general contractors, and project managers working together from the start. They’re especially useful for renovations, additions, and kitchen or bathroom remodels.
Pros:
Streamlined communication between designer and builder
Fewer handoffs and miscommunications
Efficient timelines and budget tracking
Cons:
May have limited furniture and decorating services
Some firms lean more construction-focused than design-focused
You may be locked into working with their contractor team
Good Fit For:
Homeowners planning a remodel or addition who want one team to handle everything from drawings to demolition to final finishes.
So, Which One Is Right for You?
Here’s the thing—every one of these models has its place. The “right” type of design service really depends on your project, your personality, and your priorities. If you’re super hands-on and love the thrill of the hunt, a design-only service might be perfect. If you’re juggling work, family, and a million other things, you may want the ease of a full-service firm or design-build team.
The important part is knowing what you’re signing up for—and making sure the designer’s process and pricing match the kind of support you’re looking for. When you understand the differences, it’s easier to make a smart decision and find a designer who feels like the right fit.
Need help figuring out which approach is right for your project? Schedule a Discovery Call to learn more about our full-service interior design service and home staging services in Wilmington and surrounding Brunswick and Pender counties. We’re happy to walk you through what we do—and help you decide if we’re the right partner for your home.
Renovate or Decorate? How to Choose the Right Path for Your Home
If you’re deciding between a home renovation and a redecoration, there’s more to consider than just the budget. From function to finish, each approach serves a different purpose—and the right one depends on how your home works for you today. Keep reading for expert insights from Mickler & Co. in Wilmington, NC on whether it’s time to knock down walls—or simply update the furniture and decor.
Is a Home Renovation Truly Necessary?
A full renovation is often the right choice when your floor plan is no longer functional or when you’re planning to move walls, plumbing, or electrical systems. This might include reconfiguring your kitchen layout, adding new windows for better natural light, or creating a more open-concept living space.
Renovations are ideal when:
The layout doesn’t support your lifestyle
You want to update behind-the-walls systems
You need new doors, windows, or structural adjustments
If your home feels cramped, segmented, or simply no longer fits your needs, a renovation may be the best long-term investment.
What to Expect from a Full Renovation
When done right, a renovation can completely transform your home—both in how it looks and how it lives. It allows for a custom, highly functional design that’s tailored to your preferences and daily routines.
At Mickler & Co., we guide you through every stage of the renovation process, from space planning to finishes and furnishings. Our Wilmington-based design team collaborates with trusted contractors to ensure every detail reflects your vision.
When Redecorating Is the Smarter Choice
Not every home needs a major overhaul to feel new. Sometimes, a well-thought-out redecoration can breathe fresh life into a space. If your layout works and there are no structural concerns, updating furniture, finishes, and decor may be all that’s needed.
Redecorating is ideal when:
You’re happy with the current layout
You want to update style, color, or furnishings
You’re looking for a faster, less disruptive transformation
Think of it as a style refresh—not a construction project.
What to Expect From a Redecoration?
Redecorating can include a wide range of updates, from new furniture layouts and color palettes to built-ins, wall treatments, and decorative lighting. A thoughtful redecoration can still make your space feel elevated and fresh—without the cost and timeline of a renovation.
Whether you’re preparing a home for sale or simply want to love where you live again, a redecoration can be just as impactful as more extensive changes.
Not Sure Which Interior Design Route to Take? We Can Help
A professional design consultation is a great way to determine the best path forward. At Mickler & Co. Design Studio, we help you assess what’s working (and what’s not), clarify your goals, and outline a plan that fits your budget and timeline. We can help you decide whether to renovate or decorate.
We specialize in:
Full-service interior design in Wilmington, NC
Home renovations and remodeling support
Furniture sourcing and turnkey room updates
Redecorating and home staging for resale
Let’s Make Your Home Work Better for You
Not sure if you need a renovation or just a design refresh? We’re here to help. Book a consultation with Mickler & Co. and we’ll help you figure out the best next steps to make your home more functional and beautiful.
Home Staging vs. Interior Design: 3 Key Differences You Need to Know
While home staging and interior design may appear similar at first glance, their purposes are distinct. Understanding these differences can help homeowners make the right choices whether they’re preparing to sell or customizing their living space.
1. Home Staging Showcases the Property, Interior Design Personalizes It
Home staging is all about making a property appealing to the widest range of potential buyers. It highlights the home’s best features and creates a neutral, inviting environment that buyers can envision as their own. In contrast, interior design is a personalized process tailored to the homeowner’s unique tastes and lifestyle, focusing on comfort and functionality.
2. Staging Focuses on Aesthetics, Design Prioritizes Function
Staging is all about those first impressions. It’s like dressing your home up for a big event—strategic furniture placement, pops of color, and just the right decor to make everything shine. The goal? To boost your home’s value and help it sell faster. Interior design, though, isn’t just about looks—it’s about how your space works for your day-to-day life. It’s where style meets function.
3. Staging Preps Your Home for Buyers, Design Makes It Perfect for You
When staging a home, everything’s set up to wow people in photos and during showings. Think furniture positioned to highlight cool architectural details or using neutral colors so everyone can imagine themselves living there. But with interior design, it’s all about you—your style, your needs, your vibe. It’s about making your space work for the way you live.
In both home staging and interior design, the home itself is the foundation. Professional design highlights architectural features and showcases the home’s true potential.
Let’s Make Your Space Shine
Whether you’re staging to sell or designing to stay, it all starts with the home itself. Professional staging and design bring out the best in any property, highlighting its features and showing off its true potential.
Ready to Sell for Top Dollar?
If you’re ready to list your home for top dollar, we would be glad to help you achieve that. Reach out and let’s chat about your upcoming sale!
Say Hello To Mickler & Co. Welcome to the Mickler & Co. Design Studio blog, your go-to source for expert interior design, home staging & rental design tips, the latest trends, and creative inspiration to transform your home into a personalized haven.
Visit us at 2007 Dawson St., Wilmington, NC 28403, or shop our online store for inspiration! https://shop.micklerco.com/
