Special offer

When is Staging a Home Like Writing A Song?

By
Home Stager with Staging Sells Eugene Homes 392746-91

If you've read some of my past blogs, you know that I used to be a professional enterainer. I'm also a songwriter, although its been several years since I've been inspired to write anything new (maybe moving 3 times in 4.5 years - including relocation to a new market - and changing careers has something to do with it?!?!).

I'm not sure why its taken me three years of Staging to realize this, but when I finish a project, it is - in many ways - like completing a song. As I continue to work, I would like to think that I'm getting better at picking a theme that is unique to each home, both enhancing its style and harmonizing with the target market for the property.

Here is a project I recently completed. The homeowner left some of her furnishings in place, (including a gorgeous dining room set with Asian characters handcarved into the backs of the chairs. When you have an amazing piece of furniture like this making such a strong statement, why fight it?! I went with a subtle Asian theme throughout the home and was delighted to receive a call from the homeowner, expressing her pleasure at the job I had done.

The entry and living room look out onto a beautifully landscaped back yard with fountain (all furnishings shown in this picture are mine).

The Notably Well-Dressed Home Staging, Eugene Oregon 

I just found the coolest lamps at TJ Maxx that ended up flanking the sofa:

The Notably Well-Dressed Home Staging, Eugene Oregon

 

The dining room set speaks for itself - so inspiring (I brought in the wall decor and table accessories):

The Notably Well-Dressed Home Staging, Eugene Oregon

 

The nook originally had round backed white chairs with slats that went with the table. I traded them out for some Pier 1 wicker to update the look and left the owner's table and rug in place:

The Notably Well-Dressed Home Staging, Eugene Oregon

 

There was space for 2 eating bars in the kitchen. This seemed redundant with a nook in the same area as well as formal dining directly off of the kitchen so I staged only one of these:

The Notably Well-Dressed Home Staging, Eugene Oregon

 

Since there were six chairs originally in the dining area (two too many for a modest size room), I moved two of them into the master suite, which - even with the owner's kingsized bed - had ample space for a seating area (bedding, pillows, round table/tableskirt, table lamps and floral arrangement are my inventory):

The Notably Well-Dressed Home Staging, Eugene Oregon

 

The master bathroom didn't need much (less is more in a quality home like this one) - the owner left a bowl of rocks (why do I love rocks so much???). I brought in some new towels and an orchid:

The Notably Well-Dressed Home Staging, Eugene Oregon

 

ONE FINAL 'NOTE': I vignetted the remaining 3 bedrooms, bonus room, family room and hall bath. We are hoping for a speedy sale, given that the homeowner has already moved into a new property. When it sells, I'll ring a chime!   ;=)

____________________________________________________________________________________________

Need some ideas for preparing your Eugene area home for sale in this tough market? The Notably Well-Dressed Home can harmonize the appearance of your home to appeal to your target market and sell more quickly. Call us for a complimentary pricing proposal at 541-345-0432.

Bob & Carolin Benjamin
Benjamin Realty LLC - Gold Canyon, AZ
East Phoenix Arizona Homes

Lovely work. The home looks very appealing. Here's hoping there is a quick sale for the owners.

Jun 17, 2008 07:10 PM
Corina Salas
Salas Staging, LLC - Colorado Springs, CO
Salas Staging, LLC

Nice work.  You must have a warehouse of furniture. You made great choices.

Jun 18, 2008 12:01 PM
Tori Lynn Wallitsch
Prudential Ambassador / Ross Designs, LLC - Omaha, NE

I agree with your decision on the breakfast bars; the one fully decked out looked great.

Jun 18, 2008 12:41 PM
Janis Gaines
Staging Sells Eugene Homes - Eugene, OR
Home Stager Eugene OR - The Notably Well-Dressed H

Bob & Carolin - thanks for the positive thoughts. It's already had its first serious "lookers". Unfortunately, they were looking at 2 other homes as well and ended up choosing one of the others. 

Corina, yes - a 1200 square ft garage and I just got enough furnishings out so that one of the cars fits in it again - after this coming week, we'll hope to squeak car number 2 inside!  ;=

Tori - This could be an awesome party house, given all the available seating areas. However, I thought it would be overkill for design purposes to stage both eating bars!

Jun 18, 2008 01:38 PM
Kathleen Lordbock
Keller Williams Realty Professionals - Baxter, MN
Keller Williams Realty Professionals

This would be a great house for entertaining. I like the spaces and of course the staging.

Jun 18, 2008 04:24 PM
Kym Hough
www.Staged-to-Sell - Danville, CA
Staged to Sell East Bay - Danville, CA

Janis just lovely. I love how you told a story for each photo. Gorgeous! I hope it sells quick for you up there. Kym

Jun 18, 2008 04:59 PM
Elaine Manes Gage
Home Staging Online Services - Denver, CO
Staging done ONLINE!

Janis- One of the things I like about Asian influenced staging is how clean and simple it is. You really acheived that homey but elegant look. I love the bold patterned rug in the living room! Beautiful work!

Jun 19, 2008 04:23 AM
Patty Hill, Broker Associate
Local Homes and Land, Inc - Summerville, SC
Local Homes and Land, Inc

Janis,  I love the simple yet elegant touches of your staging.  This is a beautiful job you should be very proud.  Thanks for sharing.

Jun 19, 2008 04:40 AM
Gary White~Grand Rapids Home Selling Pro Call: 616-821-9375
Flexit Realty "Flexible Home Selling Solutions" - Grand Rapids, MI
Real Estate Services You can Trust!

Janis, Congratulations to you on a job well done.  Beautiful work.  Thanks for sharing with us.

 

Jun 23, 2008 10:13 AM
Trisha Lane
Simple Inspiration Home Staging - Portland, OR
Simple Inspiration Portland Oregon

Janis,  You definately struck the right note with this one.  Great job as always.

Jun 23, 2008 04:08 PM
Konnie Mac McCarthy
MacNificent Properties, LLC - Cobb Island, MD
Broker/Owner - VA & MD "Time To Get A Move On!"

I love this house! The bedroom and kitchen are gorgeous

Jun 24, 2008 02:25 PM