karin steenge
Stylist, Decorator, and Photographer in Cambridge, Ontario, Canada
WHERE I COME FROM
Lucky enough to be born and raised in Bermuda, I grew up surrounded by vibrant colour and beauty. I believe this, along with my natural talent, is the foundation of my creativity and is part of me no matter where I live. And I've lived in a few different places prior to my arrival in the Grand River Region.
WHERE I'VE BEEN
After completing my Bachelor of Commerce degree at Queen's University, I had the opportunity to live and work in London, Philadelphia, Bermuda, San Diego, Vancouver and Ottawa. My "world travels" and setting up a new home more than 15 times has equipped me with a diverse sense of style and, most importantly, an intimate understanding of the challenges and opportunities faced by my clients. Selling and setting up a new home is stressful, there's no doubt about it. But I have loved each and every opportunity to build a new "nest" for my family. And I believe you can, too.
WHAT I'VE DONE
I became a Property Stylist after much soul-searching to match my true talents and passions with a career that allows me to really help people. My earlier career in business just didn't cut it for me and I knew I needed something different when I returned to the workforce after staying at home with my two children. A turning point for me was a comment made by an insightful friend, who said upon entering a home I had lived in for less than three weeks, "Karin, you could make a cave feel cozy!" This really got me thinking about my natural inclination as a "home maker" and how I love to make a home out of any house - yours or mine.
The concept of "home staging" was growing quickly in the Vancouver real estate market when I was ready to return to work and I realized this was a great fit for me. Furthermore, the number of times I heard a staging client say, "Why didn't we do this sooner?" made me realize that what I do is as valuable for living as for selling. Why not really enjoy your house while you live in it? Why wait until you decide to sell to make it the home you love?
WHAT I DO NOW AS A STYLIST
Moving to the lovely town of Galt has provided the opportunity to not only decorate another home (!) but also to hone my design skills as a Design Associate at a local interior design firm and as a Sales Associate & Visual Merchandiser at a local lifestyle boutique.
I still love taking on decorating / styling opportunities for homeowners and hope you’ll reach out if you need help pulling things together.
Thank you for dropping by!