BY CONTENT ASSISTANT ANDREA POWELL
A home’s curb appeal adds to the attractiveness of the neighborhood, makes your house feel inviting and helps when putting it on the market. Decorating your porch for the current season is a great way to enhance curb appeal. And an even better way is to let Christine Davies of The Seasonal Porch Stylist do it for you.
While Christine and her husband were living in Brooklyn, NY, they decided they wanted a better life for their growing family. They found Waxhaw on YouTube, came for a visit in February 2017 and “fell in love.” Both in the banking industry, they quickly found positions at Wells Fargo and had moved by summer.
What began as a hobby eventually became a new career for Christine. “Growing up, my mom always did a little something for the seasons and holidays, especially around Christmas, and I guess it rubbed off on me,” she explains. Her own house in downtown Waxhaw has a huge front porch, a place where her family spends a lot of time, and it made her happy to decorate it according to the season because, “Our porch, the entryway to our home, should be as inviting as the inside.” Inspired by the entrances in her husband’s hometown, London, she realized, “There’s no reason why our homes and businesses can’t look just as amazing and welcoming in the Queen City.”
Christine is the lead designer; however, she is very hands-on when it comes to execution and installation. She relishes a challenge, working one-on-one with the homeowners and businesses to ensure their vision comes to life. Many of Christine’s designs include elements that she handmakes, from the floral installations to the holiday garlands. These are all custom designs.
Understandably, The Seasonal Porch Stylist is busiest during the fall and going into the holidays. To best serve her clients, Christine finds that working with around 20 clients at a time is the “sweet spot.” The process is simple: a consultation covers interests, needs, budget and timeline. “Within a week, I provide an inspiration board based on their vision, and once they approve, I get to work,” Christine describes. “As a designer, I always try to include an element of surprise for my clients.” She encourages customers to think ahead and secure install dates as early as possible, especially since spots are limited. She tries to finalize holiday designs in July and August and fall designs in May and June, ensuring clients’ needs are met and delivered exactly how they want during the busiest time of year.
Christine considers all the home’s elements for her design. “I offer a very curated service,” she says. “Whether you need furniture, have many stairs or desire special lighting, I want your welcome to feel exactly how you want it, season after season, right down to the door mat.” Prices vary for an installation, but projects typically start at around $1,200.
While much of her time is spent on designs in September through December, Christine loves sprucing up entryways during the spring as well. “It’s a great time to wake up your porch,” she notes. But an even better idea is to subscribe to her year-round service. “Our subscribers receive priority throughout the seasons, and they also receive a price break. Plus, I get to know their porch intimately.” She goes on to add, “This is one of those ‘I hit the easy button’ decisions. I figure out what the porch needs and what you want, season after season, without you having to request it or lift a finger. I’ll get to know your style and eliminate decision fatigue.” The benefit to you? Throughout the year, your porch or entryway will make a welcoming statement, customized and intentional for your home.
Christine brings the “wow” factor – the seasonal foliage, the wreath, the lights, the doormat and the small details. She works with a wide variety of textures, using both real and faux elements, to create a one-of-a-kind look that elevates your entire neighborhood. If this is what you’re looking for, the Seasonal Porch Stylist should be your first call.
For more information and to see a gallery of her work, visit theseasonalporchstylist.com.
To have your business featured in an upcoming issue, please email Ashley at ashley.grimm@n2co.com.