I did not want to hijack Cynthia's great blog on staging vs. decorating http://activerain.com/blogsview/1079414/decorating-staging-decorating-staging, but since the subject came up... Here's my thought...
If you want to stay in the game - Evolve.
A home stager in business in 2009 HAS TO EVOLVE AND BECOME A HYBRID - You need to seamlessly combine both staging, decorating and design skills to service your client properly.
The longer I am in this industry, and now that staging is becoming a norm in the selling process of a home, and the longer that HGTV and other shows educate the homeowner, the more I validate my Home Staging Philosophy.
Why?
-Because today's consumer demands it. In the old days you could just follow the basic rules of home staging and the potential buyer was WOWED - Not anymore. Every buyer is so much more decorative savvy than 10 years ago... And because she is, you need to be way ahead of the curve.
-Because we have a surplus of product. In today's market, you better package that product to the maximum. Indeed use some of your staging skills in doing so, but honey, you better do your research, and know exactly who the target market is for that home, and execute the staging for their tastes and desires.
•- Which means you pull out your decorating and design hats and jam them on your head too. Paint that room another color than beige, add more than a painting to dress the mantle, and have the buyer invest in custom window treatments if the price point and target market buyer of the home demands it.
Since 1999, Interior Stylist Julea Joseph has owned Chicago area based design and staging business - Reinventing Space. She specializes in giving homeowners expert insight on how to refresh, style and celebrate their space -Whether prepping their home to go on the market, just settling in, or just in need of a change. The founding member of the Interior Stylist Network, she offers networking, mentoring and educational services to those in the industry.
Watch Staging Tips from recent TV airing -
Comments (16)Subscribe to CommentsComment