Stager: Fairfield County & Connecticut Home Staging Blog

Staging Props: Too Good to Eat

Tue, 17 Nov 2009 13:34:15 -0600

"Proudly Made in the USA", Bard International (www.bardintl.com) provides many yummy-looking faux foods, as well as decorative items.

We've had discussions before about faux foods. Some Stagers really pull out all the stops, while others (like me) might just use a basket of artichokes or apples. I've come to the conclusion that some of these differences are just regional.

However, for those who are looking for a resource, try Bard. I can practically smell the popcorn (great for home theaters)...not sure what kind of message a spilled martini would send, though!

(photo courtesy of Bard International)

Happy Staging! Julie

Julia Vigneron Maher, Nestings: Award-Winning Staging for Model, Vacant and Occupied Homes in Fairfield County, CT and Connecticut.

Staging: Beware a Designer's Point of View

Mon, 16 Nov 2009 16:54:50 -0600

There was another syndicated article in our local paper, the Connecticut Post, on Staging: "The Art of Home Staging" by an ASID Designer, Rosemary Sadez Friedmann. Friedmann is located in Naples, Florida and is a prolific writer; I could not find a website for her but most of her writing appears to be concerning decorating-not Staging.

The author did bring up several good points, such as using neutral paint colors and having the home meticulously cleaned. Again, I don't know if Friedmann has any Staging experience, but some of her lines tell me she doesn't:

"The idea behind staging is to make the home look uncluttered and as professionally decorated as possible so it appears fresh and inviting to potential buyers." Staging goes beyond cleaning and de-cluttering. Staging's purpose is to define the functions of each space, provide good flow through the house, and flavor the home so it appeals to as broad a buying public as possible. Usually we're undoing the professional decorating!

"Having a home professionally staged can cost a lot of money, but there are ways you can do it yourself." How much is a lot of money? The mortgage payments you could save with a faster sale by virtue of professional Staging?

When faced with the Living Room, left, a Designer and a Stager will come up with two totally different solutions. A Designer will design the room for a specific client's taste. A Stager will have to highlight the room's limited features, create a focal point and provide good traffic flow into the adjacent Dining Room. Not to mention dealing with the bird and dog that live here, with all their attendant smells and paraphernalia. (I bid on the job, but they went DIY and spent months on the market.)

I think Stagers are always happy to have press coverage for our profession, but isn't it about time these news services and, indeed, our local papers themselves, have a real professional Stager write the stories? Editors should pay closer attention. I wouldn't dream of writing an article on kitchen design!

Home Owners and Builders should be sure they're talking to a professional Stager if they have a property to sell. Professional Stagers will help you sell your old house. Interior Designers can decorate your new home!

Happy Staging, Julie

Julia Vigneron Maher, Nestings: Award-Winning Staging for Model, Vacant and Occupied Homes in Fairfield County, CT and Connecticut.

CT Stager attends StagersList.com Staging Expo

Sun, 15 Nov 2009 15:28:57 -0600

Let me tell you all, this was no ordinary "Expo"! Oh no, this was more like an old-time Revival Tent Meeting! An event where one could go and meet - and even touch - the Stars of Staging! And yes, get Religion too!!!

How can I possibly describe the many talents that were present last Thursday, Nov. 12, at the lovely NJ Churchill Rental location? I believe over 100 attended this Expo sponsored by StagersList.com! So many old and new friends were there.

How can I describe my extreme delight to meet, IN PERSON, such AR luminaries as Terrylynn Fisher, Chris Fisher, Melissa Marro, Christine Rae, Shell Brodnax and several other major talents? And let me tell you all one thing about that Melissa Marro: she says she is "dry" and humorless. Well, watching her slide her lovely eyes around the room after a "dry" comment just makes you burst out laughing. She knows what she's doing, and I love it! (Good thing she brought her jeans...)

How much do I appreciate the Activerain blogging platform? It's been more than a year since my last post, and people were still recognizing me!

How can I describe the incredible value derived from this one content-filled day? Including entry fee, gas and tolls, the total cost was under $100!!! Key topics included: "Marketing for Explosive and Consistent Sales", "Market Driven Trends for Revenue", "RESA Overview and Update", "Feng Shui", "Overcoming Objections"...and many more. This day was packed with valuable information.

So, I got Religion, which is well-timed, as Nestings has re-entered the Staging field in Fairfield County, CT, with gusto. This Expo has re-energized me, and I came away with a long, but purposeful, To-Do list. Primary items include: joining RESA (I finally GOT it, Shell - thanks!), converting my newsletter to Constant Contact, and treating my business like a business. Hallelujah!

When this Expo comes to a city near you, I encourage you to clear your calendar and plan to attend!

Happy Staging - Julie

Julia Vigneron Maher, Nestings: Award-Winning Staging for Model, Vacant and Occupied Homes in Fairfield County, CT and Connecticut.

Local Artists Are Valuable Resources

Sun, 15 Nov 2009 14:48:45 -0600

My charming, talented friend and neighbor, Karin Brey, is an award-winning artist in Fairfield County, CT, with a big heart. Every year my husband plants a large "neighborhood garden" of zinnias for all to enjoy. Karin gave him a small sketch of his garden in thanks. Her work is alternately impressionistic, pointillist, and dreamy. Much of her inspiration comes from the seasons and nature around her. Recently, Karin has introduced collage elements to her canvases. She will do nature "portraits", such as a homeowner's garden. Realtors: What a great gift idea!

Karin Lydia Brey can be reached at: klbrey@sbcglobal.net and you can see more of her work on this website: www.fairfieldcountyarts.com/members/gallery-karinbrey.html

Realtors and Stagers should get to know some local artists. You can refer them to Buyers, and sometimes use their art for Staging. Many local venues include the library, town hall, or banks. Be sure to check out art shows as well, and make some new friends!

Happy Staging, Julie

Julia Vigneron Maher, Nestings: Award-Winning Staging for Model, Vacant and Occupied Homes in Fairfield County, CT and Connecticut.

New AR Group for Staging & Design Training

Sun, 31 Aug 2008 12:34:49 -0500

Announcing a new group on activerain.com:

Association of Design Education (ADE)

Looking for Staging training or continuing Design education? Have questions about your business plan or décor issues? This non-denominational Group is a forum for Students, Stagers and Trainers alike.

The Association of Design Education (ADE) was formed to promote excellence in the field of specialized design education. Each Education Affiliate offers a variety of programs in interior redesign training, home staging training, and interior decorating training that exceed industry standards.

Please join this AR Group! http://activerain.com/groups/AssociationOfDesignEducation

Everyone is looking for education; that's why AR is so valuable. This Group is looking for input regarding different training programs for Staging, Color, Redesign, Feng Shui, etc. YOU DO NOT NEED TO BE AN ADE MEMBER TO PARTICIPATE; ALL ARE WELCOME! Posts from Trainers regarding their issues are more than welcome. What are Students' concerns regarding their training? What kind of "next step" programs are out there? What did a Mastermind group do for you? What worked for YOU? What are you looking for?

Learn more about ADE: www.AssociationOfDesignEducation.com

As a member, I am seeking to spread the good word about ADE and help it grow. I am not an Educational Affiliate or Trainer, nor do I profess to be! If you have any questions about this group, feel free to contact me. I'm looking for my next step in Staging training - are you? Happy Staging - Julie

Julia Vigneron Maher, Nestings: Award-Winning Staging for Model, Vacant and Occupied Homes in Fairfield County, CT and Connecticut.

New AR Group for Staging & Design Training

Sun, 31 Aug 2008 12:28:30 -0500

Announcing a new group on activerain.com:

Association of Design Education (ADE)

Please join! http://activerain.com/groups/AssociationOfDesignEducation

Everyone is looking for education; that's why AR is so valuable! This Group is looking for input regarding different training programs for Staging, Color, Redesign, Feng Shui, etc. YOU DO NOT NEED TO BE AN ADE MEMBER TO PARTICIPATE; ALL ARE WELCOME! Posts from Trainers regarding their issues are more than welcome. What are Students' concerns regarding their training? What kind of "next step" programs are out there? What did a Mastermind group do for you? What worked for YOU? What are you looking for?

Learn more about ADE: www.associationofdesigneducation.com

Julia Vigneron Maher, Nestings: Award-Winning Staging for Model, Vacant and Occupied Homes in Fairfield County, CT and Connecticut.

Eco Living Style On The Web

Sat, 16 Aug 2008 12:54:36 -0500

On my last model home project, I was asked to keep "green" in mind. It was difficult due to the low budget, but I managed to find some items made of sustainable wood, recyled rubber, etc. - I even purchased used books (now, that's recycling!)! It's hard to find cost-friendly earth-friendly items, other than used furniture! So I'm pleased to share this resource with my Staging friends:

One of my favorite green decor resources is the Viva Terra catalog: www.vivaterra.com. Recycled glass, metal, and plastics go into good-looking wine glasses, sculpture and outdoor rugs. You can find inspirational pieces such as these stone cairn candleholders:

These are great...but how about boulder-sized pillows to further the theme?

The embroidered Suzani collection, of 100% organic material could also be an inspiration:

The same fabric also covers two bench sizes, one of which makes a great coffee table.

The catalog also sponsors a blog at www.ecosalon.com, which covers health, lifestyle, fashion...Enjoy!

P.S. If green is the new black, what does that say about my all-black wardrobe? ;D - Julie

Julia Vigneron Maher, Nestings: Award-Winning Staging for Model, Vacant and Occupied Homes in Fairfield County, CT and Connecticut.

Stage This Room: Contemporary Family Room

Thu, 14 Aug 2008 09:00:47 -0500

Come and Stage along with me! I did a Staging Consultation last year for this contemporary home nestled in the woods. What would your recommendations be?

My recommendations included:

Paint the stark white walls a light taupe
Remove the leather chair, ottoman, scatter rug, floor clutter and spindly plants
Add end tables and lamps - need more light in here
Remove the kimono and carved screen behind the TV (too taste-specific)
Place tall stick bundles on hearth to emphasize height of stonework fireplace
Move TV to left of fireplace and re-orient seating for one focal point
Add large-scale, nature-inspired art above sofa
Replace rug with solid or contemporary style in brown

Most of the additional items were available elsewhere in the house, so the only added expense would be painting, plus my Consultation. What else would you tell this client?

Nestings provides high-quality, value-added staging for occupied, vacant and model homes in Fairfield County and Connecticut. "Jump Start" selling your house with a Consultation!

Julia Vigneron Maher, Nestings: Award-Winning Staging for Model, Vacant and Occupied Homes in Fairfield County, CT and Connecticut.

Home Staging: "Decorating For Dollars" ???

Mon, 11 Aug 2008 15:05:21 -0500

The "Decorating For Dollars" article, written Elizabeth Razzi (a real estate columnist for the Washington Post) caught my eye this Sunday morning. It was in our local paper, Connecticut Post, in the real estate section. I'm a little peeved that our paper ran the article like a news story, when it's really an opinion. Here's the link:

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/07/26/AR2008072600013.html

As a real estate expert, she doesn't know what professional Staging is really all about. This is what she wrote:

"I'm still not convinced most buyers need to spend their money on a stager's advice." (Huh? Isn't the seller/Realtor spending the money? She continues...)

"Cash is short, and it could be better spent on the tasks all sellers need to tackle, such as removing or replacing old carpet; repainting in fresh, neutral colors; cleaning and repairing windows; and prettying up the yard." A professional Stager will advise sellers to tackle all those things before they stage! As I like to say, I won't put lipstick on a pig!

She does give a pitch for "Home Staging for Dummies" (after all, it's only $20), and says "Still, I hesitate to dismiss the idea, especially for some sellers. If a couple of hundred dollars spent on a consultation with a stager can help you gain an edge over competing sellers, go for it."

Then she decries the "anonymous tastefullness" provided by "these tasteful ladies". It's not about the decorating - it's about showing off the features of the house!

Realtors and sellers: If you have any questions about the value of Staging, contact a couple of your local Stagers. Most provide consulting and hands-on services at various price levels to get your house sold quickly and profitably.

Julia Maher of Nestings provides high-quality, value-added staging for occupied, vacant and model homes in Fairfield County and Connecticut.

Julia Vigneron Maher, Nestings: Award-Winning Staging for Model, Vacant and Occupied Homes in Fairfield County, CT and Connecticut.

So You Want To Go GREEN? Go Green The Original Way!

Tue, 05 Aug 2008 16:15:47 -0500

So GREEN is the new black...even major catalogs such as Pottery Barn and Williams Sonoma Home are featuring "green" furnishings, with reclaimed or sustainable wood sources, organic cottons, and recycled materials. Wait, did I just say "recycled"?

Want to go GREEN the original way? RECYCLE! This is more than the newspaper/plastic/metal cans routine we do once a week. Look for recycled furniture! The easiest sources are estate sales, consignment shops, and antique stores.

Part of my business is selling "antiques" at local antique galleries, one of which is Stratford Antiques Center, located in Stratford, CT: www.stratfordantique.com. With 200 dealers on 16,500 square feet, there is a lot of merchandise to look through. Be sure to keep a creative eye when looking, however, because you might want to think about how something can be, rather than how it currently looks. Here are some examples:

Got a large entry? This super settee would look great painted out white or red. I'd leave it in the rich mahogany finish and upholster it with padding and a bright contemporary fabric.

It's size is grand, but would be approachable with some modern touches.

My favorite item in the gallery! This table is old - and would look great with the contrast of chrome and leather chairs, no?

Mrs. Brady might want her floor lamp back, especially after the shade is changed out for a linen short barrel shape.

Important Note: When buying lighting, always be sure it's in proper working order. When in doubt, have it re-wired!

Some pieces are room-ready. This sideboard has a new life with the fresh coat of white paint. Super in a sunny breakfast room.

Some dealers specialize in Early American, which mixes well with transitional and mid-century styles.

There's the funky and the fun - that chair is fab!

Classic chairs just crying out for a new life: cleaning, fresh updated fabric and a glass dining table!

This is my booth. I focus on faux bamboo, Hollywood Regency, and early painted finishes - an interesting mix. I also sell a lot of lighting and good art.

The black framed chair to the right of the chest is one of a pair. Originally very "Lana Turner", they were bright yellow, with bright yellow crushed velvet upholstery! I had the faux bamboo frames painted black, then reupholstered in linen. They look great in any setting.

So there's a quick tour, and hopefully some incentive to visit your local antiques gallery the next time you need a set of dining chairs, or a new piece for the guest room, or something for the foyer...Remember to keep your creative eye open to the possibilities!

Nestings provides high quality, value-added staging for occupied, vacant and model homes in Fairfield County and Connecticut.

Julia Vigneron Maher, Nestings: Award-Winning Staging for Model, Vacant and Occupied Homes in Fairfield County, CT and Connecticut.

Alexandra Stoddard to Appear: ADE Conference in Mystic CT Sept. 17-19 2008

Sun, 27 Jul 2008 12:36:45 -0500

http://www.associationofdesigneducation.com/Conference.html

OK, here's all you need to know about why you should attend this conference:

ALEXANDRA STODDARD ALEXANDRA STODDARD ALEXANDRA STODDARD ALEXANDRA STODDARD ALEXANDRA STODDARD!!!

Alexandra Stoddard is a philosopher of contemporary living, an interior designer, and author of many best selling books, including the classic Living a Beautiful Life: 500 Ways to Add Elegance, Order, Beauty and Joy to Every Day of Your Life now celebrating its 25th anniversary, and Choosing Happiness: Keys to a Joyful Life, in a fifteenth printing. Things I Want My Daughters to Know: A Small Book About the Big Issues in Life was introduced at the 2004 National Book Festival in Washington, DC, and is currently in its fifteenth printing.

As a pioneering writer and lecturer on personal happiness for the past twenty years, Alexandra has inspired millions to break the "rules" and pursue fulfillment. Stoddard's original theme of living beautifully and spiritually every day has resulted in appearances on Oprah; with Barbara Walters; Katie Couric on the Today Show; the Christopher Lowell Show; as host of the Home & Garden television series "Homes Across America;" and profiles in major magazines and newspapers worldwide.

In 1963 Alexandra went to work for the doyenne of American interior design, Eleanor McMillen Brown, becoming her special assistant and close friend. Thirty years ago, after her mentor retired, Stoddard started her own international design firm, Alexandra Stoddard Incorporated, with Mrs. Brown's blessing. When not on book tour, she continues her business today splitting her time between Manhattan and Connecticut.

It is an honor to have Ms. Stoddard join us at our conference!

Website: AlexandraStoddard.com

(Logo and bio courtesy of ADE)

Julia Vigneron Maher, Nestings: Award-Winning Staging for Model, Vacant and Occupied Homes in Fairfield County, CT and Connecticut.

Undercover Accessorizing for Home Staging

Wed, 23 Jul 2008 09:51:14 -0500

They used to be $1.00 a piece - now they're about $2.50, but still a great deal! Hardcover books from Goodwill are an inexpensive way to meaningfully accessorize a bookshelf.

I usually look for classics or popular novels that don't have words like "Angel" or "Devil" in the title. Remove the covers - be sure the bindings are neutral or useful colors such as black, tan, even red.

It's good if they're the same height. However, big picture or coffee table books can add some drama.

If you can't find the "right" books, just buy what they have - and cover them! Subtle gift wrap, brown kraft paper, even fabric will work as bookcovers. In these examples, I covered the books with newspaper - the black on white fine type and columns of numbers provide some visual interest without making you want to pick up the book and actually read it - that would be distracting - and this is Staging, after all!

Some of these books are novels, others are cookbooks and children's books - they come in all sizes, so don't overlook them.

Happy Staging - Julie

Nestings provides high-quality, value-added staging for occupied, vacant and model homes in Fairfield County and Connecticut.

Julia Vigneron Maher, Nestings: Award-Winning Staging for Model, Vacant and Occupied Homes in Fairfield County, CT and Connecticut.

"Make it work!"

Mon, 21 Jul 2008 09:59:59 -0500

The Plan: Brushed Nickel Hardware in the Master Bath. There's a lot of floor space, so a long bench with a chrome frame was purchased to add a sense of luxurious repose. Twin faux bois mirrors of "cement" would complement the silver tones nicely.

...the original tub and surround during construction...

...faux bois mirror as moved to the Powder (note the faux bois pattern on the towels?)...

Reality: The jetted tub was switched out for one with shiny brass hardware. The double sinks, in turn, also received shiny brass faucet sets. The cabinets got shiny brass knobs. The tile selections were changed...What to do with the chrome bench? What about the mirrors?

Professional Stagers have to be quick on their feet, or as Tim Gunn would say, "Make it work!" I switched out the mirrors with two others originally selected for the Powder and Guest Bath. They have an aged brass finish, and work really well with the glass tile inserts:

...(Note: this bath is still awaiting lighting, towel bars, etc)...

And the chrome bench? Well, the Guest Room needed one additional piece of furniture; something to add a contemplative air to the room:

...it suits the purpose without interrupting the view!

So, in the end, everything found a home - and probably better homes than originally planned! The key is to NOT fret or lose my mind...NOT run out and purchase more stuff and go over budget...just switch some things around and see how it looks. Might look even better!

Nestings provides high-quality, value-added staging for occupied, vacant and model homes in Fairfield County and Connecticut.

Julia Vigneron Maher, Nestings: Award-Winning Staging for Model, Vacant and Occupied Homes in Fairfield County, CT and Connecticut.

Sometimes You Have to Make a Bold Choice!

Fri, 18 Jul 2008 15:06:30 -0500

Often I am fortunate to work with builders that accept my expertise and trust my judgement. Nestings just finished staging the new Model unit for Renaissance on the Thames, a seven-story luxury condominium high-rise on the river in Norwich, Connecticut. It's all about the view here, folks! It's truly stunning and evokes a fabulous lifestyle whether your tastes run to the glam or the earthy. This was my project - and the first big decision was: "What color should I select that will give the Model a "Wow!" factor, and highlight the view?" It had to be bold, and it had to work year-round. The answer is in the RES: Nestings provides high-quality, value-added staging and model home design for Fairfield County and Connecticut.

Julia Vigneron Maher, Nestings: Award-Winning Staging for Model, Vacant and Occupied Homes in Fairfield County, CT and Connecticut.

Come On In, The Water's Fine!???

Thu, 10 Jul 2008 10:13:16 -0500

Perception can be everything. In my previous blog post, I addressed the refrigerator in the dining room. Perception: potential buyers might think the kitchen is too small.

Let's talk about water. When you buy a house, you get the water access with it. It might be "city water" or "well water", but you get water. Is that water potable? Does it taste good? You might have the water tested, but in large part one assumes the water is fine!

So how far can we test this perception?

If you open the fridge, you may see bottles of water (or maybe not so much any more, with the higher cost and "going green"), but that's OK - it's portable, so you're sure the tap water is fine.

There may be a water dispenser in the kitchen with large bottles of commercially-supplied water, and somehow that's OK too. It's almost a luxury item.

But what do you think if you see a bottled water dispenser on the second-floor landing (and visible from the front door)? I'll tell you what I thought on my Staging Consultation (Perception): "The water in this house is so bad, that if I want a drink in the middle of the night, I have to use this dispenser - not the tap water from one of three bathrooms!" I recommending putting this in storage for the duration.

A professional Home Stager can help prepare any house, occupied or vacant, at any price point, for today's market. Call a Stager today if your house is on the market or you're thinking about doing so. Many Realtors provide a Stager's Consultation as part of their listing package. A small investment in a Staging Consultation can net you a faster sale for more money.

Nestings provides high-quality, value-added Staging for occupied, vacant and model homes in Fairfield County and Connecticut.

Julia Vigneron Maher, Nestings: Award-Winning Staging for Model, Vacant and Occupied Homes in Fairfield County, CT and Connecticut.

I KNOW It's a DINING Room, But...

Thu, 10 Jul 2008 09:49:10 -0500

The convenience of having a refrigerator (with breakfast cereal storage) in the dining room is not lost on me!

"I'd like some more milk, please."

"Sure, honey, I'll just reach over here..." No need to get up and fetch it from the kitchen!

One Staging truism is that how we live in our houses is different from how we live in them to SELL. Home Stagers provide valuable consulting services that help sellers determine the difference. If your house is on the market, it is no longer your home. It is a product that must be presented as a viable option to as many potential buyers as possible. Home Stagers can advise on how to best do that, and a Staging Consultation is a great place to start.

For example, while these sellers find value in having a second refrigerator in the dining room, most buyers would be confused and wonder if the kitchen is too small! On my consultation, I recommended it be moved to the garage or basement. Simple, but prior to my visit, the sellers had not considered doing so!

Nestings provides high-quality, value-added Staging for occupied, vacant and model homes in Fairfield County and Connecticut.

Julia Vigneron Maher, Nestings: Award-Winning Staging for Model, Vacant and Occupied Homes in Fairfield County, CT and Connecticut.

Got Micro-Suede? Get a Swiffer!

Tue, 08 Jul 2008 09:26:13 -0500

Does your furniture have micro-suede upholstery? Is it covered with imprints, handprints, pawprints and fingerprints? The Swiffer to the rescue! Yesterday, I learned this tip from a professional cleaner: use the hand-held (clean) Swiffer to lightly brush the upholstery - it will not leave a pattern, and all prints magically disappear!

I do use a lot of micro-suede pieces for staging and model homes. Fortunately I carry a Swiffer in my "cleaning bag" - I'm glad I have such a useful tool! I'll be using it to give the furniture a once-over before the big Open House and photos! Happy Staging - Julie

Nestings provides high-quality, value-added home staging for occupied, vacant and model houses in Fairfield County and Connecticut.

Julia Vigneron Maher, Nestings: Award-Winning Staging for Model, Vacant and Occupied Homes in Fairfield County, CT and Connecticut.

Stagers: Who's Your Go-To Person?

Tue, 01 Jul 2008 11:25:40 -0500

Construction is (almost!) finished; furniture is delivered, accessories, art, etc. loaded in...now what? Thank goodness the movers are required to set up and place the pieces they deliver. Thank heavens the builder (pictured on the right) had his crew assemble the remaining pieces of furniture. And THANK THE LORD for Kathy Mohr, of Begin It Today Design! Kathy and I live in the same town, and it's very convenient for us to trade off assisting each other from time to time. She agreed to help me yesterday in staging the model unit at the beautiful Renaissance on the Thames in Norwich, Connecticut.

Not only is Kathy a talented Decorator and Stager, she is also a professional organizer - and who couldn't use a little more organization? She hung drapery and art, kept my records straight, and even scraped nasty sticky labels off things! What a trooper - and always with a smile. Thanks for your help and sense of humor - hey we only got lost once yesterday!

Stagers who fly solo: Do you have a go-to person who can assist you with big projects? Someone who can not only measure twice and cut once (ha ha), but has a trained eye? Someone who understands you and your vision - even thought it might not be the same as theirs? Look to your neighboring Stagers and reach out - they might be looking for someone too!

Nestings provides high-quality, value-added home staging for occupied, vacant and model homes in Fairfield County and Connecticut.

Julia Vigneron Maher, Nestings: Award-Winning Staging for Model, Vacant and Occupied Homes in Fairfield County, CT and Connecticut.

"All Good Things" Come From Staging

Sat, 28 Jun 2008 09:07:11 -0500

Connecticut is now home to "Hollywood East"; due to beneficial tax arrangements, many more movies are now being shot here than ever before. Remember the car chase around the college in the most recent Indiana Jones movie? That was shot at Yale University in New Haven. I could go on and on...from urban cityscapes to suburban homes to dreamy countrysides and rural lanes...it's all available right here!

"All Good Things", starring Kirsten Dunst and Ryan Gosling is currently being shot in the area. I just learned that THREE SCENES WERE SHOT IN THE MODEL CONDO UNIT I STAGED LAST FALL!!! This was the SeaView Village model, located in Bridgeport, CT. The builder just told me that the location scouts loved what I'd done, and only had to change out the artwork - apparently you need the artist's OK to have their work hang on the wall in a movie.

Wonder what art they found to replace this "seaview window"?

"I'm ready for my close-up, Mr. DeMille!"

Nestings provides high-quality, value-added home staging for occupied, vacant and model homes in Fairfield County and Connecticut.

Julia Vigneron Maher, Nestings: Award-Winning Staging for Model, Vacant and Occupied Homes in Fairfield County, CT and Connecticut.

The Trip to the Front Door: Setting the Right Tone

Wed, 25 Jun 2008 11:13:52 -0500

Your visitors' experience starts outside your front door. Their trip to your front door can set the tone for their entire visit. If your house is on the market, it's something to consider!

Here's an example: I love going to my hair salon (or, as my husband calls it, "clip and dip")! The owners have created a lovely, relaxing environment where you can interact or be alone and zone out if you wish. But the experience begins outside the actual salon, which is on the second floor of a (mostly) medical building.

Since I park my car as far away as possible, I enjoy a leisurely stroll through the lot (hey, it's exercise!), and cross a footbridge over a peaceful pond. I always pause here and look at the fish and birds:

Inside the lobby, I am greeting by a wall-mounted waterfall, which makes me smile and feel cool, and clears my mind - I'm getting ready for two hours of me-time!

...lovely glass tiles glittering in the sun...

Then I climb two flights of stairs (yes, a little more exercise)...to a lobby outside my salon. This lobby is well-designed and welcoming. There are usually folks sitting out there chatting.

...the art could be lower...

The whole feel to the building is perfect for the medical professions as well as the salon: warm, peaceful and welcoming.

Be sure the approach to your house sets the right tone for potential buyer's visits: Are the grounds well-manicured? Have you planted seasonal flowers? Do the windows sparkle? Are toys and sports equipment stored away? Are cute flags and yard art packed up for the next home? Will your visitors feel relaxed and welcomed or fretful about perceived poor conditions?

A professional Home Stager can help define and set the right tone for your house. Nestings provides high-quality, value-added home staging for Fairfield County and all Connecticut.

Julia Vigneron Maher, Nestings: Award-Winning Staging for Model, Vacant and Occupied Homes in Fairfield County, CT and Connecticut.

George Carlin States the Case for Staging: "Too Much Stuff"

Mon, 23 Jun 2008 10:53:47 -0500

It was with great sadness I heard about George Carlin's death. His musings always lead to a greater understanding of the world we live in. One of his best rants was on "Stuff" - it's available on youtube.com. One reason why people move is to get a bigger place for all their Stuff. He even talks about how uncomfortable it can be staying in other people's homes because "there's no room for your Stuff" - sound like a lot of unstaged houses on the market? Look up the video and enjoy! Happy Staging - Julie

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JLoge6QzcGY

Julia Vigneron Maher, Nestings: Award-Winning Staging for Model, Vacant and Occupied Homes in Fairfield County, CT and Connecticut.

Before: Staging a High-Rise "Earthy Elegant" Model Condo in Norwich, CT

Sat, 21 Jun 2008 13:13:06 -0500

You haven't heard much from me lately because I've been gearing up to load in and Stage a model high-rise condo in Norwich, Connecticut: The Renaissance on the Thames. It's had a name change and the owners have many units available to custom-finish and sell. They, the Builder, Architect and Realtor have all been great to work with. However, the process has taken a lot longer than I had originally anticipated. I'll blog about different parts of this process later, but I thought the AR community would get a kick out of this "Before" RES. The pictures were taken in February when we were selecting the unit to build out as the Model. There are seven floors, with the two-story penthouse units taking up the top two. We selected a large unit on the fifth floor, which was just above the tree line and really showcased the view. The scenery is fabulous, especially now! Panoramic river and foliage views, with the giant 34-floor Mohegan Sun casino hotel as a sculptural focal point! Can't tell from my photos, but the blue sky, water, and glass hotel are stunning - and now, with the green foliage...breathtaking! The Staging is planned to call attention to the views, architecture, and lifestyle! I'll keep you posted - I'm so excited! Julie Nestings provides high-quality, value-added home staging for occupied, vacant and model homes in Fairfield County and Connecticut.

Julia Vigneron Maher, Nestings: Award-Winning Staging for Model, Vacant and Occupied Homes in Fairfield County, CT and Connecticut.

Stick a Fork in This Road - It's Done!

Thu, 19 Jun 2008 08:13:33 -0500

Last fall I did a Staging Consultation for a contemporary house on a cul-de-sac of similar homes. In fact, a neighboring house was also on the market!

Curb appeal starts at, well, the curb, and so does a Staging Consultation. My client's house is up the driveway on the right. You can bet that I recommended they have it re-sealed to look as new and well-cared for as the driveway on the left.

First impressions matter, and sellers should make their homes appear immaculate and well-maintained, or they could suffer by comparison.

Now I just have to get my own driveway done!

Nestings provides high-quality, value-added home staging for Fairfield County and Connecticut.

Julia Vigneron Maher, Nestings: Award-Winning Staging for Model, Vacant and Occupied Homes in Fairfield County, CT and Connecticut.

Why Is 93% of Fairfield's New Construction Vacant?

Tue, 10 Jun 2008 08:42:58 -0500

As I've blogged about before, most of my staging work is at either end of the Staging Spectrum: Consultations and furnishing Vacant/Model Homes. I've learned that many builders are so financially stretched, as the DOM extend, that they'd rather rent than reduce prices again. Perhaps, in my area, there were just too many spec houses built before this market "adjustment". Whatever the reason, they're not Staging, and there are just too many VACANT houses on the market! This can only slow the sales process down more.

Example: Fairfield, CT: Out of the homes labelled "New Construction" within a price range of $700,000 - $2,000,000 on MLS (minus those that are yet to be built), 93% were VACANT! On average, they'd been on the market for three months! 51% had taken price reductions!

Date: Monday, June 2, 2008

Town: Fairfield, CT (includes Southport)

Price Range: $700,000 - $2,000,000

New Construction, Single Family House

Total hits: 52

Subtract # unbuilt: 9 (avg. DOM = 85)

Total Built New Construction: 43

# with furniture in MLS photos: 3 = 7% (as far as I could tell, only one was professionally staged)

# VACANT houses in category: 40 = 93% (avg. DOM = 92) (and frankly, they all look alike!)

30% of these are in the "Beach" area! (how are you going to compete?)

# VACANT reduced prices: 22 = 51% (avg. DOM = 122)

So, Mr./Ms. Builder, if practically ALL the new construction is vacant, and that's 40 houses in this one town, what is going to yours apart? Staging! Professional Staging will allow potential buyers to see themselves in the house, understand the flow and purpose of each space, highlight the features, and make that house memorable! Contact a Stager; we can work within all kinds of budgets.

Nestings provides high-quality, value-added staging and interior merchandising for occupied, vacant and model homes in Fairfield County and Connecticut.

Julia Vigneron Maher, Nestings: Award-Winning Staging for Model, Vacant and Occupied Homes in Fairfield County, CT and Connecticut.

Message For Elaine's Zeke

Tue, 27 May 2008 15:26:43 -0500

Couldn't resist joining, and now posting to this wonderful group! Thanks to Elaine Manes for forcing my hand:

Julia Vigneron Maher, Nestings: Award-Winning Staging for Model, Vacant and Occupied Homes in Fairfield County, CT and Connecticut.