Welcome to my blog, where I invite you to join me on an extraordinary journey that spans continents and embraces diverse influences. I'm Karina, a visionary force in the world of home staging, and I am thrilled to share my story with you.
From enchanting experiences at the Royal Palace of Amsterdam to immersing myself in the authentic design of Italy, honing my craft in the vibrant city of Miami, and settling in the picturesque coastal haven of Portugal, every chapter has contributed to my artistic odyssey.
From Childhood Enthusiasm to a Lifelong Passion
From a young age, my passion for design and transformation was ignited by the influence of my mother—Alexandra— an accomplished interior designer with a background in art and interior styling. Her passion for interior design shaped my love for creativity and attention to detail. It was through her guidance that I discovered my calling in the world of aesthetics and ambiance. Even before starting elementary school, I would spend hours flipping through Architectural Digest, immersing myself in the beauty of well-designed spaces.
Motivated by an innate curiosity and a drive to explore new horizons, I followed in my mother's footsteps and ventured into the hospitality business. While managing hotels, I also pursued my entrepreneurial aspirations, establishing a business specializing in window treatments and bed linen at the age of 21. The quality and artistry of my seamstresses garnered attention, and soon enough, I found myself undertaking a remarkable project—the opportunity to provide pillows and bedspreads for none other than the Royal Palace of Amsterdam. Growing up in the Netherlands, I learned the importance of Dutch high-quality standards from a young age. Everything had to be perfect, from the product to the service and the entire process. This remarkable achievement showcased the exceptional standards of my business, solidifying my reputation in the industry.
Discovering the Power of Home Staging
In 2004, my journey took an unexpected turn when a friend of mine struggled to sell his apartment in Amsterdam after six months on the market. With a strong Dutch entrepreneurial spirit deeply ingrained in my culture, I decided to take on this project.
The state of the apartment was far from appealing, with worn-out leather sofas, faded bed linen, a cluttered sink, and office-style blinds on the windows. Realizing the challenges he faced, I offered our help alongside my mother, Alexandra. We waited for him to move out and took the opportunity to clean the space thoroughly.
We began by painting the walls white, instantly brightening the space. Upgrading the hardware to high-quality brass door knobs added sophistication. Outdated appliances were replaced with top-of-the-line Miele ones. We traded the bathroom curtain for a sleek glass door and the plastic blinds for elegant white curtains. Guided by the Dutch commitment to craftsmanship, we strived for perfection in every detail, resulting in an exceptional property that left no room for compromise.
With the transformed space, inquiries poured in, predominantly from foreign investors and expats. Recognizing their desire for a move-in ready apartment, we explored the concept of home staging, previously popular mainly in the USA. Research and interviews revealed that buyers sought a hotel-like experience, willing to pay more for convenience. Leveraging my hospitality background, we temporarily took the property off the market and staged it as a hotel, complete with defined spaces, contemporary furniture, blackout curtains, a comfortable bed with pristine sheets, fresh towels, a Nespresso coffee machine, and a tea station. TVs were strategically placed in the living room and bedroom, reminiscent of hotel setups. The meticulously staged apartment sparked a bidding war, selling €65,000 above the asking price. This eye-opening experience unveiled the untapped potential of home staging.
Twist of Fate: Exploring New Avenues
After managing hotels, running a business, and dabbling in property flipping, the 2008 economic crisis dealt a blow to my aspirations. Clients halted investments, hotels paused projects, and home staging took a backseat for a decade. Drawing on my Dutch resilience, I reinvented myself by studying law at Erasmus University and business and marketing at Nyenrode. This led to the establishment of my successful law firm, where I gained expertise in contract negotiation and client representation over five years.
Airbnb Adventures: A Paradigm Shift
In 2015, my world expanded exponentially when I stumbled upon the groundbreaking concept of Airbnb. It encompassed all the facets I had been trained in: business, interior design, marketing, law, and management. Captivated by its potential, I made the bold decision to transition away from my law firm and embark on a transformative journey along the mesmerizing Mediterranean coast, inspired by the book "Eat Pray Love."
For a significant period, I fully immersed myself in the world of Airbnb. I visited highly-rated properties and engaged in insightful conversations with hosts. It was during this time that I encountered the Italian masters, who seemed to possess a natural understanding of Airbnb and its essence. They embodied the very core of this phenomenon through their way of life and management. From the Italians, I learned the significance of authenticity and designing spaces that truly capture the unique character of their region. They prioritize giving guests an authentic experience that immerses them in Italy's rich history, heritage, and vibrant lifestyle. It goes beyond providing a place to sleep; it's about making guests feel like part of the family and providing them with a genuine taste of Italian life. Drawing upon this knowledge and experience, when designing Airbnb spaces, I always prioritize providing guests with an authentic experience. Additionally, I provide training to housekeeping on how to maintain this unforgettable experience for every guest after my team and I leave.
Miami: Where Luxury and Design Converge
Fascinated by the influence of interior design and staging in the Airbnb realm, I resolved to refine my skills and elevate my craft. To achieve this, I sought education from esteemed institutions, and my path led me to the New York Institute of Art and Design. Enrolling in their program, I delved deeper into the artistry of interior design, that would enable me to create remarkable interiors for various purposes, including home staging for sale, Airbnb rentals, and long-term rental.
After gaining experience in authentic Italy, I decided to move to Miami, a city renowned for its luxury and design, to gain a totally different experience. There, I delved into the intricacies of staging, mastering the art of creating spaces that evoke a sense of high-end living and luxury. The staging lessons learned in Miami and the Airbnb design lessons learned in Italy became the foundation of my interior design and staging expertise, enabling me to transform any property into dream properties, regardless of style, from rustic farmhouses to luxury villas and penthouses.
Settling in Portugal: A Coastal Haven
My family and I continue to enjoy the same beach lifestyle as we did in Florida, relishing in the natural beauty and coastal charm that surrounds us. Now settled in the picturesque coastal haven of Portugal, I am dedicated to assisting property owners in realizing the true potential of their spaces. With a comprehensive background in hospitality, law, marketing, interior design, and property flipping, my team and I offer unparalleled representation and support across all aspects of property enhancement. From interior design and staging to setting up Airbnbs, training hosts, and flipping properties, we are here to ensure a seamless and exceptional experience for our clients and their guests.