From Frustration to Transformation: The Mission Behind Brass and Batten Design

Hi, I’m Destiny, the proud owner of Brass and Batten Design in Grand Rapids, MI. Starting this company wasn’t just a career move—it was a passion project born from my love for design and my desire to elevate the home staging industry in our market. Let me take you behind the scenes of why I launched Brass and Batten Design and what makes our approach to home staging so unique.

The Problem I Saw in the Market

When I first looked at the home staging industry in Grand Rapids, I noticed a gap: many staging companies here seemed to follow the same formula. Their designs often felt generic and didn’t fully embrace the potential of the spaces they staged.

  • Off-the-Shelf Designs: Many homes were staged with decor straight off the shelves of big-box stores. While those pieces can have their place, relying solely on them often leads to spaces that feel less personalized or cohesive.

  • Missing the Bigger Picture: I realized there was an opportunity to bring more thoughtful, intentional staging to the market—designs that highlight each home’s unique features and tell a story buyers can connect with.

I wanted to fill that gap with a company that prioritizes quality, creativity, and attention to detail. That’s when the idea for Brass and Batten Design was born.

What Sets Brass and Batten Apart

At Brass and Batten Design, we approach staging with a focus on individuality and excellence. I founded this company to bring intentional, curated design to Grand Rapids homes. Here’s what makes us stand out:

  1. Quality Over Quantity: Every piece we use is carefully selected to create a mix of vintage finds, high-end furnishings, and unique accessories that give each home character and charm.

  2. Attention to Detail: From the layout of the furniture to the color palette of a room, we focus on the details that make a space feel cohesive, inviting, and memorable.

  3. Passion for Design: Staging is my way of combining storytelling and design. I want every home we stage to feel like a space buyers can’t wait to call their own.

Why I’m Passionate About Staging

As a veteran, I’ve always valued discipline, hard work, and doing things the right way—even when it takes extra effort. Those values guide everything we do at Brass and Batten. To me, staging is about more than just arranging furniture; it’s about creating an experience that sells homes faster and for more money. But beyond that, it’s about showing homeowners and realtors that quality design can transform the way people see a space.

Looking Ahead

As Brass and Batten grows, my goal is to continue raising the bar for home staging in Grand Rapids. Whether it’s working with developers on high-end new-builds or helping homeowners prepare their spaces for the market, I’m committed to delivering designs that make an impact.

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Is Your Home Speaking to Buyers?": How Staging Creates Conversations That Sell

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Staging Trends to Watch in 2025: What’s Shaping the Future of Home Design