Who doesn’t love a good origin story? Kim and Corwin McCormick, the founders of Addicted 2 Decor (A2D), have backgrounds you wouldn’t typically expect in the world of home staging—psychology and the U.S. Army. Yet somehow, this husband-and-wife duo turned their unique combination of creative vision and operational precision into Austin’s premier home staging and interior design company.
Join us as we sit down with Kim to explore how they got here, what drives them, and where they’re headed next.
Origin Story & Journey
Q: How did you two decide to start A2D together? What was that conversation like when you decided to turn Kim’s passion into a full-scale business?
Kim: I started the business in our garage. As we grew and moved inventory to containers on our land, the operation became more involved. I needed my guru of a husband, who paces me and keeps me grounded, to join full-time. So he left corporate America, and we’ve worked side by side ever since.
Austin & Community Connection
Q: Why Austin specifically? What is it about this market that made you want to build your business here?
Kim: We love Texas, we love people, and we love to help. Our philosophy has always been to jump in and serve, no matter who you are or where you’re located.
Philosophy & Approach
Q: Kim, with your psychology background, how do you balance creating spaces that help buyers envision themselves living there while respecting the homeowner’s current reality?
Kim: With my psychology background, I always start by remembering that a home isn’t just an asset it’s someone’s life. There are memories, routines, pride, and sometimes stress wrapped up in those walls. So respect comes first.
I balance both sides by separating identity from the product (gently). I help homeowners understand that staging isn’t a judgment of how they live, it’s a marketing strategy. We’re not erasing them, we’re repositioning the home so buyers can emotionally step into it. Once that clicks there resistance drops. I always lead with positivity, empathy, then strategy. Always listen before I suggest.
If the client mentions something more than once then it’s something I want to protect and want them to know I understand. When people feel heard, they’re far more open to change. I explain why we’re doing something, not just what we’re doing because buyers buy based on emotion first, logic second.
I try to create “aspiration,” not emptiness. Always doting on how beautiful their space is in their way and letting them know we need to show in a different light due to the current market.
Buyers need to see themselves in the space but they also need to feel something. That’s why I design for warmth, flow, and lifestyle. Always protecting the homeowner’s dignity.
Even when big edits are needed, I’m careful with language and tone. People cooperate when they feel respected, not corrected. That psychological safety matters just as much as the furniture.
At the end of the day, my job is to honor the homeowner’s reality and transform the home into a story buyers can fall in love with. When both sides feel understood, the house sells and it sells with far less friction. Then they tend to not want to move! Lol
Work-Life Balance & Interests
Q: With such a hands-on, high-energy business, how do you maintain work-life balance? Any advice for other entrepreneur couples?
Kim: Work-life balance is hard, especially as entrepreneurs. But when working with my husband and family, it never really feels like work because we are building it together and we communicate. We are together 24/7 and when we are separated on jobs it feels like we really miss each other and I value our time together more.
We’re intentional on always having date nights at least once a week and we have made a goal of more vacations. (Much needed). Our thought is to build a life together by building this business that makes us feel more value and worth than working for a company that could fire you tomorrow.
Respect, care, and attention are key to building a relationship. I do have to say—this business isn’t for everyone. We swear, we sweat, and we’re totally exhausted most days, but we always say it’s worth it. The business will be worth a lot when we sell it. Always looking ahead and having aspiration is vital. Never give up.
Growth
Q: You own all your staging inventory rather than renting. That’s a huge operational decision. What led you to that model, and how has it benefited your clients?
Kim: Owning all our inventory is a significant investment. For us to operate as a small business we have to know we have the product and quality to deliver. Flying blind by purchasing random items, used items that you’re not sure will work is very time consuming and gives a lot of stress.
Feeling balanced by knowing that you’re buying high quality and its product you can stand by to me is a better business strategy. This is peace of mind for clients to know that it’s not something we purchased and has to be returned in 30days or that the item came from your friend’s house who consigned it.
Industry Insights
Q: You hold a real estate license specifically to enhance your staging services. Can you explain how that insider knowledge makes A2D’s staging more strategic?
Kim: Holding my realtor estate license gives me the knowledge and training that every realtor gets. So as a stager, interior designer and investor I can use my training to support realtors goals, timelines and I understand their battles.
This also helps us get into homes with our ekey access and gives understanding to sellers that having a license means I’m finger printed, and background checked and held to professional standards.
Also education is key to building a business in what you surround yourself in. Real-estate is one of the biggest investments in your life. As the saying goes “invest wisely”.
The Challenges
Q: What are some of the biggest challenges or misconceptions about home staging that you wish more people understood?
Kim:Cost is one of the biggest misconceptions people don’t understand. For instance you go to buy furniture for your new home and realize it’s a lot of upfront cost. It’s definitely not cheap. Think about purchasing dozens of furniture for homes and renting it. Now imagine purchasing dozens of full furniture collections, maintaining them, storing them, transporting them, and renting them out repeatedly, this is what we do.
The costs are high, and as a rental-based business, the taxes and operational expenses are significantly higher as well. Staging isn’t just design—it’s logistics, investment, and long-term infrastructure.
Another misconception is about outdoor furniture. Outdoor furniture isn’t cheap even to the trade. That’s why owners never have outdoor furniture or it’s in really bad shape.
Another misconception is about accessories. In just one room you can have $1000+ dollars in small accessories, such as books, trees, styling pieces.
The Future
Q: If you could stage any type of property in Austin—dream project, no budget constraints—what would it be?
Kim:Having the freedom to stage with intention instead of limitation would mean doing not just one, but ALL the homes in Austin’s Parade of Homes in a year.
Now You Know Us—Let’s Help You Love (or Sell) Your Austin Home
Fill out our online form to inquire or schedule a staging
Give us a call Monday – Friday 8am, – 7pm (CST)
There’s So Much More to the A2D Story!
Behind every stunning transformation is a dedicated team member bringing their unique talents and perspective to the table.
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