When it comes to selling a home in Raleigh’s competitive real estate market, presentation is everything. Enter Dwell Proper, a boutique staging and interior design company based on Atlantic Avenue near Raleigh Iron Works. Founded by Alex Jordan, Dwell Proper is transforming the way Raleigh homeowners and real estate agents prepare homes for market — blending elevated design, local style, and real estate strategy to help properties sell faster and for more money.

If you’ve ever searched for the best home staging companies in Raleigh NC, this is one name you’ll want to remember.

The Story Behind Dwell Proper — A Raleigh Design Success

When Alex Jordan moved from New York to Raleigh eight years ago, she instantly felt the entrepreneurial spirit that defines the City of Oaks. A graduate of Meredith College’s interior design program, Alex had always been passionate about transforming spaces — but she noticed something missing in Raleigh’s luxury real estate scene: true high-end staging.

“I saw incredible homes across Raleigh that deserved a more sophisticated design touch,” says Alex. “That’s why I started Dwell Proper — to bring that luxury-level staging experience to our community.”

With a background in both finance and interior design, Alex merged her creativity with business acumen to launch Dwell Proper — now one of the most exciting new design studios in Raleigh.

Luxury Home Staging That Sells — and Speaks to Raleigh Buyers

Dwell Proper specializes in vacant and occupied home staging, providing services to homeowners, builders, and real estate agents across North Hills, Five Points, Midtown, and Downtown Raleigh.

• Vacant Staging: For new or empty homes, Dwell Proper curates every detail — from furniture and artwork to lighting and textiles — to transform a blank space into a home that buyers instantly connect with.
• Occupied Staging: Perfect for sellers still living in their homes, this service helps clients reconfigure layouts, edit décor, and add supplemental furnishings to highlight each home’s best features.

And the results speak for themselves:

• Staged homes in Raleigh sell up to 73% faster.
• Sellers can earn 1–5% more on their final sale price.

That’s why agents from Compass, eXp Realty, and The Coley Group trust Dwell Proper to make every listing stand out.

Design That’s as Local as It Is Luxurious

Step inside Dwell Proper’s new showroom and warehouse on Atlantic Avenue, just minutes from Dock 1053 and the Iron Works District, and you’ll see why they’re shaking up the local design scene.

Alex personally curates furniture from national vendors like Sunpan, Universal Furniture, and Uttermost, often sourced from High Point Market, the world’s largest home furnishings trade show located right here in North Carolina.

Her approach to design celebrates Raleigh’s evolving aesthetic — one that’s modern yet comfortable, elegant yet livable. “We’re seeing more color, more texture, and a return to warmth,” Alex explains. “Homes should feel elevated, but still inviting — that’s what Raleigh living is all about.”

Trending in Raleigh Interior Design: From Color Drenching to Walnut Woods

If you’ve been keeping an eye on interior design trends in Raleigh, you’ve likely noticed color making a comeback. Dwell Proper is helping lead that charge.
Alex highlights several emerging design trends Raleigh homeowners are loving:

• Color drenching — painting walls, ceilings, and trim in one bold tone for a dramatic effect.
• Mixed materials and textures, from rich linens to soft velvets.
• Warm wood stains like walnut and chestnut replacing the once-dominant white oak.
• Statement wallpaper ceilings — a playful twist that adds personality and depth.

These choices not only reflect global design shifts but also connect to Raleigh’s growing identity as a hub for creative living and design innovation.

Behind the Scenes: A True Raleigh Entrepreneurial Spirit

As a mom of three, wife, and small business owner, Alex brings authenticity and grit to every project. She’s built Dwell Proper from the ground up — investing in a full-service, in-house operation with its own warehouse, box truck, and staging crew.

This means every project stays local and every client receives personalized, start-to-finish service — no outsourcing required. It’s that hands-on Raleigh spirit that sets Dwell Proper apart. Her quick turnaround on projects, including a stunning apartment transformation in just two weeks, proves her commitment to both creativity and execution.

Why Raleigh — and Why Now

Raleigh isn’t just where Dwell Proper operates — it’s part of the company’s DNA. From Midtown to Downtown, Five Points to North Hills, Alex and her team have watched Raleigh evolve into one of the best cities in the Southeast for design, business, and lifestyle.

“Raleigh has this collaborative energy,” says Alex. “People genuinely want to see each other succeed. That’s why I built my business here — to be part of a community that supports creativity and growth.”

Looking Ahead: What’s Next for Dwell Proper

With a brand-new design studio and an expanding inventory, Dwell Proper is poised to become Raleigh’s go-to destination for luxury home staging and interior design services. Future plans include builder selection services, expanded design consultations, and collaborations with top Triangle real estate agents and home builders.

Alex’s vision is clear: to make Dwell Proper a name synonymous with luxury, livability, and local Raleigh style.

Visit Dwell Proper — A Must-See for Raleigh Homeowners and Design Lovers

Looking for home staging in Raleigh, NC, or inspiration for your next interior project?

Visit Dwell Proper at 2121 Atlantic Avenue, right next to Thompson Lynch Lamps and NoRa Café, in the heart of Raleigh’s growing design district.

Explore their work online at DwellProperNC.com, or follow along on Instagram @DwellProperNC for behind-the-scenes looks at Raleigh’s most beautifully staged homes.

Experience the Best of Raleigh

From locally owned boutiques and design studios to the best restaurants and things to do in Raleigh, The Best of Raleigh celebrates the people and places that make our city shine. Stay tuned for more features on Raleigh’s top businesses, home inspiration, and community stories that define what makes this city the perfect place to live, work, and play.