Tag: Raleigh

  • The Color Lab: Through My Camera Roll

    Dara

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    Color plays such a huge role in how we process the world around us.It can shift our mood, shape our energy, and completely change how a space feels. Ever wonder why some rooms make you feel on edge while others feel soothing? More often than not… it’s the colors doing the talking. As both a realtor and Read more

  • Decoding Sophistication: It’s Not Literal

    Dara

    What is sophistication, really? It’s a word I find myself using often—because in the high-end design world, it’s at the core of everything. Back in architecture and design school, my professors drilled into us the value of the conceptual over the literal. That’s where true sophistication lives—in ideas, nuance, and intention. The Design Concept Design Read more

  • A Speck in the Sky: Finding Peace in Perspective

    Dara

    There’s no doubt that the older we get, the tougher life gets. Things weigh heavily on us day and night, and it’s easy to forget the little things. We have finite time on this infinite planet, and it doesn’t seem right to spend it disengaged from it. We can be so consumed with what’s in Read more

  • Can “Beauty” Be Defined?

    Dara

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    We tend to know what we find beautiful (and who we find beautiful) but do we know why? Can we actually pinpoint what defines it? And if we could define it, would the principles always apply like a math equation? The Classical Pillars of Beauty These five concepts are taught to art, design, fashion, and Read more

  • Nature is my Favorite Drug

    Dara

    Since moving to North Carolina from South Florida, I spend much more time outside. The weather is so beautiful year round with maybe two months of super hot and two months of super cold – the rest is perfection. There are so many easily accessible parks, gardens, and trails. The best part is, they are Read more

  • Revenge of the Disc: Why DVDs Aren’t Dead Yet

    Dara

    Streaming services seemed like a good idea 10 years ago, but with rates increasing, new streaming platforms constantly appearing, and streaming fatigue rising, it’s feeling like we’ve gone too far. I think it’s time to bring back a relic of the 00’s – The DVD. I don’t know about you, but I’m getting tired of Read more

  • Why Original Art Transforms the Home

    Dara

    There is just something about original art. It fills the room with character and expression, and can completely change the feel of a space. It’s almost as if you can feel the artists touch, intention, and expression – as if it’s a living thing. But since artwork can be expensive, it’s important to be strategic Read more

  • Creating Your Indoor Oasis With Grow Lights

    Dara

    Growing tropical plants in non-tropical environments can be tricky. Over the last year I have experimented with growing plants indoors, and have discovered how well it works with a little help from grow lights. As a former Miamian living in North Carolina, one of the biggest adjustments has been the climate. Growing up in the Read more

  • The Quick Guide to Selling your Home this Spring

    Dara

    Spring is a great market for selling. Here are my recommendations for selling your home quickly and smoothly. Despite recent adjustments, it’s still a sellers market. There remains to be more buyers than available homes, and homes that are well maintained, priced right, and in good condition will do very well in the spring market. Read more

  • 5 Things I Learned About Sophistication Working for the Ultra-Wealthy

    Dara

    In 2013, I joined one of the top Italian furniture brands as a designer, and I spent the next 10 years immersing myself in the world of the ultra-wealthy. Here’s what I learned from them about sophistication. 1. Every design choice is intentional. There should be a clear concept of the design of the home, Read more