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The Times They Are A - Changin'

By
Home Stager with Perceptions AdverStaging(TM), LLC

"The unanswered questions aren't nearly as dangerous as the unquestioned answers."  Dena

 

Has anyone else received the most recent Ballard Designs catalog in the mail?  Mine actually came several days ago, but I just had time to check it out today. 

I get a real kick out of reading the little blurbs they attach to some of their merchandise.  On page 77 of the catalog they are highlighting the new Kingston Bedroom collection.  There is a handwritten tag describing the process as to how Ballard Designs came to find inspiration for this collection in the original antique piece they found in Brussels.   The title caught my eye because I might expect to see it here, on Active Rain, in Stage It Forward.

 

"Sometimes, all it takes is a little paint"

 

And so, I read further.  Funny how that happens, isn't it?  Something captures your attention and you read on or listen more intently to gather more information.

 

The third sentence began, "To be honest...."  They further say, "it was not love at first sight."

 

This really caught my attention, because I recently read something that was written cautioning against speaking or writing with this language.  Funny again, don't you think, that a major marketing campaign is out and about using those same words? 

 

My first point ...  there are very few absolutes.  If you state one, chances are you'll have to defend it at some point.  Why?  There are plenty of folks that consider unquestioned answers dangerous and thank goodness too or we might not grow individually or collectively and I can't help but wonder how difficult it might be to stage a cave, mid-winter, in New England.    

 

My second point ...  evaluating and presenting something in a different perspective can be beneficial.  In that little handwritten history, Ballard Designs describes how only one person of their crew saw possibilities where all others saw none.  Professional Home Stagers are proving this many times over in the real estate industry by assisting home owners in preparing their homes for sale. 

 

Finally ...   Any one person can repeat and do what everyone else says and does if they want the same results.  It takes a certain amount of courage and fortitude to know when you're right and be willing to be different.  I'm thinking there are now thousands of Realtors® and home owners that have recognized the difference stagers bring to the home selling process that can attest to this.

Jackie

To order the Ballard Designs catalogue or read additional information about the Kingston Design Collection I referenced go to www.ballarddesigns.com

Special thanks to Dena for always signing her emails with that quote, it has been life altering

Comments (15)

Terry Haugen STAGE it RIGHT! 321-956-2495
Stage it Right! - Melbourne, FL
Jackie, awesome thoughts!  To be honest with you, those are points I hadn't thought about before.   Attesting to your insight, are the many different titles under which blogs of similar topic are posted.  Some are so intriguing it makes one want to open the blog and read.  Others, so benign, they are passed up.  But in essence both contain the same content.
Feb 08, 2008 02:57 PM
Terrylynn Fisher
Dudum Real Estate Group - BuyStageSell.com - Walnut Creek, CA
HAFA Certified, EcoBroker, CRS, CSP Realtor, Etc.
Very good analysis.  I love how you take things and unweave them for me.  You are just a talented lady.  I hope to get to meet you one of these days in person and have some of these conversations.  T
Feb 08, 2008 02:58 PM
Jackie Peraza
Perceptions AdverStaging(TM), LLC - Framingham, MA
Home Stager - Framingham, Massachusetts

Terry - BFF!  As stagers we can appreciate that though, right?  It's not just the vision, but the presentation that counts. 

Terrylynn - I hope to meet you as well.  I consider you multi-talented and as I imagine it, I suspect I'd spend more time listening than talking, except when I was asking questions! 

I'm planning on being in San Diego at the Buffini & Company MasterMind conference in August...any chance we might be able to arrange something then?

Jackie

Feb 08, 2008 03:48 PM
Laura Cerrano
Feng Shui Manhattan Long Island - Locust Valley, NY
Certified Feng Shui Expert, Speaker & Researcher
Jackie, I loved the catalogue by the way.  It's interesting that you used the word perspectives in here, it is wonderful to be able to view a space from several different perspectives to find what suits your clients best.
Feb 09, 2008 12:08 AM
Jackie Peraza
Perceptions AdverStaging(TM), LLC - Framingham, MA
Home Stager - Framingham, Massachusetts

Carole - I especially liked this catalog as well.  You know, that word perspective is pretty neat...I imagine holding a jewel in my hand and turning, turning it while allowing all the different facets to reveal themselves.  And then I decide.  I'm not sure, but I expect lots of stagers, designers, decorators, architects...do the same.

Jackie

Feb 09, 2008 04:13 AM
Elaine Manes Gage
Home Staging Online Services - Denver, CO
Staging done ONLINE!
You're a wise woman, Jackie, and I really enjoy how eloquently you make a point! Great observations!
Feb 09, 2008 11:06 AM
Julianna Hind
eXp Realty - Tacoma, WA
REALTOR, 206-679-4768, Tacoma Federal Way, Auburn, Kent, WA

So insightful as always! ... I love "sometimes all it takes is a little paint" My Swedish ancestry said the same!... I have heard it said of the Swedes and their love for bare windows and bright colors in their sparce and humble cottages, that they would -- "Paint the cat if it would sit still long enough!!!"...so I'll try not to "Paint the Cat" and stop right there.

 

Feb 09, 2008 11:41 AM
Yvonne Root
rooms b.y. root - Prescott, AZ
Home Stager - Northern Arizona
Oh Jackie, I DO like the way your mind works. I read the same emphatic post you saw concerning the use of certain phrases. And to be honest, (oops) I did question its validity. The same author made the bold statement that HE (emphasis his) could see the entire elephant. Now, I wouldn't lie to you (oops) but I like your take so much better. "there are very few absolutes" And, may I add that be they blind or not the viewers or feelers of elephants seldom see or feel the entire beast and surely his living heart can not be examined through sight or touch alone. 
Feb 09, 2008 12:20 PM
Tracy Moses~Redefining LUXE~Staging ~ Decorati
Redefining LUXE - Mount Pleasant, SC

I love your blogs!!  This is so informative, as are all of your other ones. You really give me 'food for thought'.  I am also a Ballard fan.

Feb 10, 2008 03:55 AM
Jackie Peraza
Perceptions AdverStaging(TM), LLC - Framingham, MA
Home Stager - Framingham, Massachusetts

Elaine - Thank you for being so kind and generous.  I learn much from your blog in your humorous writing style, that is a talent!

Julianna - I like that image and analogy a lot

Yvonne - I LOVE the phrase you closed with; and for more than one reason.  I'm thinking you were sent to hand deliver that one.

Tracy - I'm glad!  Thank you for letting me know :)  I enjoy your blog as well.

Jackie  

Feb 10, 2008 12:08 PM
Frances C. Rokicki
Fran Rokicki Realty, LLC - Bolton, CT
Broker-Mentor,CRS

I am happy to read your post because I know there is a deeper insight.  You seem to draw that out so nicely:)  See you in Boston, at Buff's Turning Point?  We booked at the Westin.

It's a Good Life!

Fran

Feb 11, 2008 05:11 AM
Jackie Peraza
Perceptions AdverStaging(TM), LLC - Framingham, MA
Home Stager - Framingham, Massachusetts

Fran - You are so kind :)

I'm in!  Booked that one months ago.

Jackie

Feb 14, 2008 02:22 PM
Minnesota Home Staging Firm, Minnesota
Minnesota Home Staging Network~ MN's Top Home Staging Firm - Inver Grove Heights, MN

Jackie...you always have such a wonderful way with words. I wish I was blessed like that...but that's is what makes you special. Great blog!

All the best,

Beth

Feb 19, 2008 02:52 PM
Jackie Peraza
Perceptions AdverStaging(TM), LLC - Framingham, MA
Home Stager - Framingham, Massachusetts

Beth- Awww, thank you - but, truly I learn from folks just like you!

I'm glad you enjoy the blog ;)

Jackie

Feb 19, 2008 05:01 PM
Frances C. Rokicki
Fran Rokicki Realty, LLC - Bolton, CT
Broker-Mentor,CRS

How are you? Did you see the post about Brian Buffini's Blog?  So awesome, I can't wait until it launches! Hope you are staying warm:)  The eclipse is tonight, don't forget!

It's a Good Life!

Fran;)

Feb 20, 2008 09:11 AM