The home’s neutral furnishings, including the light
fixtures, were accented with color. Home Frosting chose a
dusty, slate blue to achieve this very tranquil decor.
SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2020 | TAMPA BAY MAGAZINE 105
Staging focuses on showcasing a
property to make it appealing to the
largest pool of buyers, while decorating
is about creating environments that
personify the dweller’s style values and
personal preferences.
We asked Karen what design trends she
is seeing and using in her current projects.
She said clients want a more relaxed,
livable design vibe where comfort is key,
along with a desire for casual, feel-good
furniture. She sees color coming back for
accents and dominant themes in a full
spectrum of soft pastels from blush and
icy grays to bold rich tones of sapphire
blue, grassy green and fuchsia. Since the
era of the coronavirus pandemic, there
is a priority on additional home offices,
workspaces and entertaining spaces, as
rooms are being repurposed for utility
considerations.
Karen, who is regularly seen on
Daytime, a nationally syndicated lifestyle
show where she shares design and
decorating tips, was also hired by HGTV
to decorate several houses. She designed
Harry Connick Jr.’s trailer when he
filmed a movie in the Tampa Bay area
and has worked with several Tampa
Bay Lightning players. Karen says style
and decor should be a reflection of you
and your lifestyle, and she recommends
investing in timeless pieces, while also
having fun with trendier accent elements.
A home decorator or designer should
orchestrate your story, she says, adding
insight and helping you navigate your
journey to a home that makes you happy
and proud. 9
EDITOR’S NOTE: Karen Post is a Tampabased
interior designer, home stager and home
stylist. See her on Daytime, a nationally
syndicated lifestyle show that airs locally
on WFLA-Channel 8, and on HGTV. She’s
also a regular contributor to the National
Association of Realtors’ publications. She can
be reached at (813) 250-1730 ext. 106.