UB Trade x Kal Macdonald

How did you get started as a home stager?

After three decades in the home building industry, both for Production Builders and Custom Home Builders, I ventured into entrepreneurship. I was working with a career coach and she had me really thinking about which part of the industry I loved the most. Without a doubt, it was designing showhomes! So in 2015, I launched my own home staging and interior design business, staged. Inc. From selecting the interior finishes and fixtures to curating furniture, artwork, bedding, and décor, designing showhomes allows me to create a complete and unified aesthetic. The end result is an interior that feels fully realized and like a home!

How would you describe your home staging style?

I embrace a comfortable, casual style with a neutral and soft palette. Urban Barn aligns perfectly with this aesthetic, especially with the inspiring bedroom designs, making it a favourite source for me. Staging bedrooms and beds is where my passion truly shines. I take pleasure in crafting a bed that exudes warmth and invites you in. For me, the ultimate marker of a superbly staged bed is when I think “Wow! I really want to climb in there.”

What areas of the home are most important when it comes to staging?

When staging showhomes for home builders, we go all-in furnishing the entire house, including a finished basement recreation area and guest bedrooms. I find the casual and inviting aesthetic provided by Urban Barn particularly fitting for these scenarios, bringing a cohesive and appealing vibe to every room. When staging a property for a homeowner to sell, our focus is typically on the living room, dining room, kitchen, and primary bedroom.

What makes you gravitate towards Urban Barn products when you are styling a room?

Urban Barn’s style captivates me with its seamless blend of casual comfort and a touch of country charm, complemented by modern products that boast clean, simple lines. The appeal lies in the thoughtfully curated colour palette, consistently striking the perfect balance—never too bold or avant-garde, and always timeless. What truly sets Urban Barn apart and earns my loyalty is the speed of product delivery to my diverse stagings.

What are you favourite kinds of products to shop for at Urban Barn?

Coupled with their excellent service, every purchase I’ve made from Urban Barn boasts exceptional quality. The unique and varied styles of sofas - all with quality construction and durable fabrics - stand out as top-notch selections. I also really love the wall art! Always offering surprising and eye-catching pieces that add depth and character to any room, enhancing the overall appeal.

What are your tips for creating that “Right at Home” when styling?

I cannot say enough about the importance of lighting! A variety of lighting sources and the ability to control the lighting is key. Under cabinet lighting, recessed lighting in cabinet toe kicks, and dimmer switches all help to create a warm and inviting home. Another non-negotiable is scale - this is very important in the staging industry, and not given enough thought in my opinion! Furniture that is too small makes the interior feel juvenile and unimportant, whereas furniture that is too large make the interior feel cramped and not functional.

Is there a design quote you live by?

“Home is a sanctuary” is the design principle I live by. While I typically avoid dramatic interiors, if a client leans toward this, I guide them toward a softer version of the drama. For instance, if they choose a stark paint colour, I suggest moving a few shades down the colour wheel. Often, clients appreciate the guidance when they see the finished product, steering them away from their initial bold choices. While sanctuary is ultimately the client’s vision, it’s my role to navigate them away from the garish and provide a holistic view of how all design elements will harmonize in the completed home.

What inspires you lately?

Travel! I love to bring some of the design flavour I have come across in my travels to projects I am working on. Since much of my travel tends to involve the ocean and beaches, that gorgeous watery palette has seeped into many showhomes I have worked on. You might think that Calgary seems an unlikely place to want to create a beachy vibe, but given that most new communities now have water and canal systems, I think it fits in beautifully.

Is there a signature style or design detail you’ve become known for?

A recent showhome I designed and staged for a Custom Home Builder embodied this signature casual, warm, beachy aesthetic. The showhome consistently garnered positive feedback, and when it was sold, it sold with all its furniture and accessories. The home exuded a casual Mediterranean vibe, featuring abundant cream, linen and soft grey tones combined with warm woods and textured fabrics. This aesthetic is what I do best and what I know I can rely on Urban Barn to help me achieve.