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The FINE LINE between staging and design

By
Home Stager with Capital Style Home Staging

Ask anyone in the business where it is, and they’ll draw the line for you..green waves  The problem:  the line is in the sand.  Tides are high, the wind is picking up, and everything shifts....all the time.  The line keeps moving. 

 

I’ve been criticized (not harshly), corrected (at length), and, uh.....squinted at (which is by far the most hurtful) for using The D Word:  DESIGN. 

UPDATE TO THE ORIGINAL POST:   To be clear, I have been cautioned (in training, in conversation, at group meetings, and finally on a professional conference call) not to use the word "design".  Rather, I'm advised, refer to it as "staging".  As you all know, I'm fairly obedient when sober, so that's what I tried to do.  But for me, like all the other potty mouths out there, the D word slips out when I'm not looking.

 

burgundyIf you knew my family, you would not be surprised that my degree is in criminal justice.  Never changed my major, graduated with high marks.  Never worked a day in the field, but not by choice, by economy and job freezes.  Happily, that’s a good thing.  If you cut me in half, I don’t bleed red, but in “rich, velvety burgundy”.    When I make strawberry shortcake, and the tender biscuit is still warm in the bowl, I top it with “gently whipped cream”.  whipped creamI paint pears and tangerines in metallic colors and scatter them on my Thanksgiving table.  It is a very good thing no one ever gave me a gun.

 

golden pearsMy point -- and I do have one -- is that my brain naturally thinks proportion, balance without symmetry, color, texture, shape, light, and emotion.  I can’t help it. 

 

I’m a stager.  I go in to every manner of home, and I don’t even have to flick the “on” switch to start doing my job.  The job starts to happen the second I see the driveway, and continues, often at lightening speed.  I cannot take notes or pictures fast enough.  My ideas...my work, feels like DESIGN.  It makes me happy, and my energy levels soar; I'm in The Zone.  I may be “STAGING”, but who said staging may not be artistic, dramatic, powerful?  What is the fear?  

Okay...if I paid tuition, sat my tushie in a classroom, and studied for four years to become degreed and/or certified, I'd be peeved if someone after three days of training, or $49.99 for an on-line certificate was claiming the same credentials.  [I know I'm on thin ice here, and have no interest or intent on offending.  I'm making a comparison between a weekend of work and four years of work.  Please hear this...thank you.]  I DO NOT CALL MYSELF AN INTERIOR DESIGNER, but am I not allowed to design?  Design is a VERB! 

Further, I understand that DESIGN is TO PLEASE the homeowner.  I AM designing for the homeowner; it just happens to be a homeowner that neither I nor the Realtor have yet met. 

So where’s your line between staging and designing? 

Just asking.....from DC!

   Jaynee

AND, BY THE WAY, P.S.:  Why aren't all the professional, experienced (and probably Unionized) stage hands at the Kennedy Center, the Met, or the Bolshoi, all screaming at us because we use THEIR verb? 

 

    

Comments (93)

Jaynee Acevedo
Capital Style Home Staging - Kensington, MD
Capital Style Home Staging

Thanks so much for your comments, Jennie.  You clearly took lots of precious time (from that delicious family of yours) to read and respond. 

Lots of good points, all the way around, but the issue still seems to boil down to semantics.  Must think about this some more as I move through my grand scheme to take over the world....

Thanks, sweetie!

  Jaynee

Sep 26, 2007 04:18 AM
Joni Van Deventer
RoomByRoomRedesign - Midland, TX
RoomByRoomRedesign
Jaynee~Read your blog again, since you have a background in Criminal Justice perhaps you are part of the "fashion police"?  My daughter wants to be a Juvenile Probation Officer or Dental Assistant or whatever crosses her path first.  She has very little interest in what I do even though she has a trade certification in Painting & Decorating, go figure, she's young 19, so she still has time.
Sep 26, 2007 12:04 PM
Jaynee Acevedo
Capital Style Home Staging - Kensington, MD
Capital Style Home Staging

Oh my goodness, Joni!  Do EYE know the pain of parenthood - at least with sons of this age.  We can see who they are so clearly.  We can list their gifts, their flaws, their inclinations, their preferences, their talents, their tastes.  Yet we have to watch as they move off in the world making mistake after mistake (just like we did) because they don't always remember who they are.  My youngest (a daughter) is 12 now, so I'm not far behind you.  She's a fashion designer and an astronomer in one piece of skin, but she thinks she wants to be a teacher. 

If we're constantly working towards good goals, and allow ourselves to be flexible (in the correct ways) we end up where we should be.  Some of us just take longer than others.

And NO!  I'm not the Fashion Police, any more than I'm the Grammar Police!!   Pu-leeze!

Thanks for stopping by.....Cheers! from DC...

    Jaynee

Sep 27, 2007 03:56 AM
Kathleen Lordbock
Keller Williams Realty Professionals - Baxter, MN
Keller Williams Realty Professionals

Here how is this for a good swear word?

Peng-you!!!

That means friend in Chinese.

design, design, design - can't stop me - design design.................... 

Sep 27, 2007 04:43 AM
Kathleen Lordbock
Keller Williams Realty Professionals - Baxter, MN
Keller Williams Realty Professionals

Debraha -do you like that spelling>

What is that show on HGTV called that is sooooo popular - well it is DESIGNED to sell - what do they do- well, stage.

I was a designer first - design clothing, design rooms, design jewelry, event planner (I mean designer), floral designer,  I design metal roofs, design gardens,  design how to get in big trouble.

Sep 27, 2007 10:45 AM
char charles
change the stage - Atlanta, GA

Jaynee, I studied the world of art and design for many years prior to doing something different.  Before I heard of the word Staging after moving to Atlanta via New York & Cali, I had never.  I have been buying homes, gutted them and then designing from colors, to complete Italian kitchens, I've even designed a swimming pool for myself and a club of investors.  Like yourself Jaynee, I never went to Interior Design school.  But my father was a contractor who worked on the Eichler home in the 60's and I have always, been around architecture.  If one looks at my work, they could never tell me that I didn't go to school for it.  This certainly, does in no one say that those who did ... I respect totally.  But I would also, have to say that Design can be used if you have it in you Kiddo.

 

Char Charles ... Change The Stage

Sep 27, 2007 10:54 AM
Jaynee Acevedo
Capital Style Home Staging - Kensington, MD
Capital Style Home Staging

Deborah!  Welcome back in the Rain.  Thanks for stopping by, and I'm glad for your comments.  I appreciate all the input on the topic, but I'm not sure I've been swayed all that much.  I will certainly try to limit my use of the verb, but there are sooooo many places where only that word will do!!

Cheers, my new friend!

    Jaynee

Sep 28, 2007 02:52 AM
Jaynee Acevedo
Capital Style Home Staging - Kensington, MD
Capital Style Home Staging

Kathleen:  I feel like I should get a chat room for the three of us to yuk up all day, but short of that...I appreciate your comments, my design peng you.

Cheers! from DC...

    Jaynee

Sep 28, 2007 03:08 AM
Jaynee Acevedo
Capital Style Home Staging - Kensington, MD
Capital Style Home Staging

Hey there, Char girl.....thanks for stopping by.  So nice to meet you.  I love the name of your company, and LOVE your photo!

Thanks for your words of encouragement.  It helps me with my new sense of "self".  We're always growing, right?

Cheers! from DC....

    Jaynee

Sep 28, 2007 03:10 AM
Jackie Peraza
Perceptions AdverStaging(TM), LLC - Framingham, MA
Home Stager - Framingham, Massachusetts

Jaynee- Can I please scoot in here to weigh in too???  Funny to have you link back to this blog, I was just today thinking of this topic.  I was thinking of it SO much I thought perhaps I might go back to school - well, just for a few minutes and then it passed....you see, I already do what I'd have to pay someone else to tell me I can then do (am I making sense here?)

Yes, yes, yes, I'll stage a vacant home - AND I'll do a great job, I won't be able to help myself; but that is not my first choice.  My first choice and those projects I search out are those Level III's (I call them) that require just a bit more (OK, some of them much more).  I so enjoy the homes that require an insight into what it would take to turn a pumpkin into a coach - I LOVE IT! 

Do I design?  I know I apply design principles, but I also have a tremendous freedom of not being an ID too.  I'm not weighted with rules I've learned and am afraid to break.  I'm not saying that ID can't be phenomenal stagers either - I've seen some incredible after photo's right here on A/R; I just can't help but wonder if they're the exception to the rule though.  JMHO, but I think as Stagers (or Merchandisers) we have the very, very  best freedom and job in the world. 

Jackie

Oct 03, 2007 05:25 PM
Toronto's 2 Hounds Design: Decorating + Staging
2 Hounds Design + Home Staging - Toronto, ON

Hi Jaynee! You asked, "why this is such a sensitive issue (design not designer) in the staging world".

My opinion is there are a large group, in our industry of real estate merchandising or property presentation, who feel threatened by decorators and designers getting in on the resale of homes.

It's like they think if you don't use the words 'decorate' or 'design' the professionals who went to university or college for their degree or diploma won't see the niche they are missing out on. Of course, they are just fooling themselves.

Preparing a home for resale is just a niche market of decorating and in some instances, where renos are involved or custom furniture, design.

 

Oct 04, 2007 06:21 AM
Anonymous
CJ
This is my first time posting here, but I've loved all the postings about "staging". I don't have a degree in designing, but I have realized that I've been 'staging' in my mind for years! I love looking at homes for sale & have always mentally imagined what they could look like. Unfortunately, living on a fixed income, I can't afford, as someone else said, to "pay someone to tell me what I know I can do". I'm just trying to figure out how I can start a business staging homes for sale. I'd prefer to stick with occupied homes. Appreciate any advice.
Oct 07, 2007 01:15 PM
#87
Jaynee Acevedo
Capital Style Home Staging - Kensington, MD
Capital Style Home Staging

Jackie!  I love your message.  Never thought of the topic in quite this way:  design principles applied, but with the freedom of no professional liability.  A bit like the difference between an architect and a structural engineer.  The architect sure needs to understand how the building will stand up on it's own, but the engineer must sign off on the liability for any failure.  I'm sure there are "design failures", because we each see them all the time.  However, since the beauty is in the beholder's eye, is anything a failure if the client is happy?  And what ARE the liabilities of the professional designer - especially in the frame of staging?

You have provoked further thought.....hmmmmmm.....LOVE IT!

Cheers, from DC...

     Jaynee

Oct 08, 2007 06:00 AM
Jaynee Acevedo
Capital Style Home Staging - Kensington, MD
Capital Style Home Staging

Dane:  Anyone can stage a property.  The question simply becomes how well can they perform?  We've all seen disastrous photos (and some disastrous, IMHO, makeovers on TV).  So who judges how well anyone can stage a home?  Three simple little words.  Dee.  Ohh.  Emm. 

Of course interior designers and interior decorators can stage homes.  They, more than most of us, have studied the under-layers of design that make them successful.  However, that DOES NOT MEAN that those without a degree cannot design, decorate, or stage beautifully. 

My degree is in Criminal Justice.  For the last nine years, I've donated my services as a special events chef for our sons' private schools.  Our annual dinners have raised over $200,000. and I've never taken even one cooking class.   Same thing, no?

Just askin'.....from DC!

    Jaynee

Oct 08, 2007 06:08 AM
Jackie Peraza
Perceptions AdverStaging(TM), LLC - Framingham, MA
Home Stager - Framingham, Massachusetts

Jaynee - Uh-oh...You my dear are going to get ME in trouble. I didn't mean what I said in quite the terms of "professional liability".  Of course, you too may be meaning the same as I'm meaning and I'm such a stickler for semantics that it would be difficult for me to actually grasp your meaning...huh, did you get that?

You do however bring up a very good question regarding liabilities as it relates to staging - I've been wondering this myself and though I am by NO means a mind reader, I am beginning to wonder if this is why more and more are calling for minimum standards to be established and some sort of regulation for our industry.  What I find to be most perplexing are the HOW'S of that enforcement as I think most of us would agree that we as stagers can in no way be responsible for the dollar amount in the sale of a property or the timing of a sale for a property - But, that would be yet another blog topic altogether now wouldn't it.

Jackie

Oct 08, 2007 07:25 AM
Toronto's 2 Hounds Design: Decorating + Staging
2 Hounds Design + Home Staging - Toronto, ON

Hi Jaynee, sorry, I didn't make myself clear. You were asking why so many are sensitive to 'design' (it's the same for 'decorate'). I was answering that question.

You don't need an education to decorate nor stage (design you do). It all comes down to how good you are. Completing training doesn't guarantee you're good at decorating...your graded on how well you follow instructions, learn the course material.

Staging/decorating/design it is all subjective and is for the client to determine if they like the persons work.

 

Oct 09, 2007 06:53 AM
Jaynee Acevedo
Capital Style Home Staging - Kensington, MD
Capital Style Home Staging

I agree, Dane.  How do you feel about a certain educational requirement for Stagers?  How would that "fit" into the world of "design"?  For me, the bottom line is personal talent, and the cream will rise to the top, regardless of designation, experience, or marketing abilities.  Well, maybe not marketing abilities!

Cheers, and thanks for stopping by to comment.  Love your writing!

    Jaynee

Oct 10, 2007 04:08 AM
Toronto's 2 Hounds Design: Decorating + Staging
2 Hounds Design + Home Staging - Toronto, ON

Ooh, you asked for my view! I think staging courses should be added to the core curriculum for Interior Decorator. Just as anyone can be a stager, anyone can be a decorator, however, Interior Decorating is a recognized College course, so I'd like to see Real Estate (Identifying your target market), Merchandising for Sale/Resale and Photography for Interiors added to the core curriculum.

I have talked to some influential people here in Canada about this and they are actually quite intrigued by the idea...I won't say who those people are just yet!

Oct 10, 2007 11:38 AM
Debra Gould
Staging Diva / Six Elements Inc. - Toronto, ON
The Staging Diva

Of course we "design" as do people who create jewelry, fashion, logos, web pages, flower arrangements, etc.

I agree, it's a verb!

Naturally we can't call ourselves interior Designers, since unlike staging, that's a regulated industry with actual credentials.

 

Debra Gould, The Staging Diva

 

 

Nov 06, 2007 07:56 AM
Grace Ann Simoni
Midwest Staging Redesign Institute & Yours Redeisgned - Naperville, IL
IRIS, CIRS, CISS, MRSA

I have many but not all posts so if this is repetative , I appologize.

I call myself a 'stager' a 'redesigner' and sometimes a 'decorator'.  Here in Illinois the term Interior Designer when used together is the key.  These are the people that can assist in asking that wall be moved, can draw the beautiful renditions of the room, in addition probably do all the things I do.  My clients will refer to me sometimes as their 'Designer' which means the public does not know the difference.  However when i am asked a question about a something that falls in the Interior Designers role. I will answer with "you would need an 'Interior Designer'  to help you with that.  I know my expertise and my limitations.   Good luck to all of you  stager, decorators, redesigner, Interior ReDesigners, designers and Interior Designers.

Nov 07, 2007 07:42 AM