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What is staging a suggestion and what is cheesy?

In just reading Karen Otto's blog about the games she plays while staging I've come to wonder where the line is. I love Karen's idea of setting up a game complete with root beer. I myself am going to put her idea into my bag of tricks.

Here's my question: Where do you draw the line? Setting a table complete with linen and wine glasses or just a typical dinner. A breakfast tray set on the bottom of the bed? Bed linen turned down? Socks on the floor next to the bed? Just kidding, but really, what is staging a suggestion and what is cheesy?

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Tina Parker, CSP
UpStage Home ReDesign (.ca)
902-229-5799

Posted by Tina Parker, UpStage Home ReDesign(.ca) on 07/06/2008 03:23 PM

Comments (19)

home staging, ideas, preparing for sale

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19 Comments on What is staging a suggestion and what is cheesy?

JUL

2008

I like the finished product - the staged house - to make a potential buyer feel welcome. Seeing overly staged vignettes such as: a bed tray with champagne glasses and wine on it; a tub full of scented, colored bath water and flowers; or slippers left by the down-turned bed would make me feel like I'm intruding on a private, personal moment - this is not very welcoming. Just my $.02 - I know that I'm more minimalist than many Stagers, but that's where I draw the line. Happy Staging - Julie

If I'm setting a kitchen table or island I tend to set it less formal. I do place wine glasses in a dining room.

I always use charger plates, cloth napkins and a bowl or smaller plate on top of a dinner plate. Usually a contrasting color, pattern, etc.

I also read the article about the games and thought it was very clever. I have set up chess sets, but never thought of scrabble, now wish I didn't give all my games away when I moved.

I never turn a bed down, but make sure the bed looks its best with layers, a blanket, sheets turned over, comforter, and decorative pillow.

Hope that helps.

Joyce

Hi Tina, I'd like to offer to err on the side of caution as well as provide some whimsy. As in most situations, moderation is key. I think most people should know where to draw the line.

Thanks for the link!

Hi Tina - Great question to ponder. My rule of thumb is to show the house in the best possible light and also to sell a lifestyle of relaxation and comfort. Anything that distracts from these two objects and draws attention to the "item" used for staging is not effective in helping to accomplish the goal, which is to get the house sold!

JUL

2008

Less is more. Thanks for the link!

I am not in to a tray on the bed or a bath tub filled with water and rose petals or anything like that. But I do like seeing a dining room table tastefully set up. I think it can bring layers of texture and color to the room. Or a beautiful spa basket for the bathroom, if it is a large bathroom. But most of the time I am pretty straight forward.

I did place a tray on bed about 2 years ago because the home was so reminiscent of a great Bed and Breakfast. The MBR has a sitting area and overlooked a beautiful yard. The clients were also away that weekend so we set the stage accordingly. The house sold at the OPEN HOUSE. That was the first and last time I have done that!

I love staging countertop eating areas with nice dishes/mugs, etc. I staged a library that was very formal with 2 chairs facing the fireplace and on the ottomon I had 2 brandy sniffers filled with faux brandy. So it all depends on the room, house, style, price range, etc. Every stager should use their judgment but always remember we are there to SELL the HOUSE not the items in it

PS: I love roosters, ha, ha...for those who hate them A private AR JOKE..

Phyllis Pafumi

JUL

2008

I know several stagers who do the tray on the bed set up to keep people off their blow up beds. I do have lovely trays, and have used them on coffee tables/side tables but not on the bed. I agree -- I try to focus on the home features -- not making my work too cutesy.

Balance and restraint sell a house every time.

Hi, Tina: I think the very fact that you ask the question shows you'll have the good sense and instinct to know where to draw the line....

that said, i do like to set up fun vignettes, sometimes. If you run with the conviction that you have set the stage for the potential buyer to see themselves in the home, then assume that a vignette will not be seen as an intrusion, but as a continuation of their imagination as to what they see themselves doing in the home.

i used a scrabble board set up when selling my home in Texas as well (what is it about scrabble boards in Texas?) ...and since i had an unbelievable laundry room, of all things---i mean it's placement was great, right off the kitchen, and it really was a ROOM with a second fridge, storage, and a long counter for folding....well, it was always coveted by guests and we used it as an extended place for entertaining, serving drinks in there! so...when i staged my house, i repainted it and staged an ice cream machine and sundae glasses and scoop in there! wish i could find a photo for you! it was a 'treat'...pun intended! and it must not have turned buyers off...out of the 7 potential buyers who looked at our house over 2 days, we had offers from 4.

JUL

2008

I still believe in creating an atmosphere that sparks a buyers imagination. I go back to the theory of why builders have model homes - they create and show a lifestyle buyers want to live in. I don't mind props (I'm talking vacant properties - not lived in homes).

Although, (call me cheesy) my guest room has a basket on the bed. All my guest love to stay here - it is filled with items for relaxation & chocolate. The closet has fluffy robes and slippers for them to wear. I've created a retreat for them (props and all). Maybe I should remove them because we always seem to get company that overstays!

JUL

2008

Thank you all for commenting. I totally agree to many of your suggestions. I was told by some agents that there have been houses they visited with the bathtub filled with a bubble bath and a yellow rubber duck in it. They saw it as phoney and it actually backfired because clients thought it was cheesy; a big turnoff. I personally think this goes to far. I tend to use props to sell lifestyle yes, but particularly for spaces that need suggestion.

AUG

2008

I think that's an excellent question. For me fake sushi is too much or fake spilled wine glasses, but stuff that helps with ambience in a non-over-the-top way works for me.

I use games in the basement to show parents that's where the kids will be :-) Not running all over the house.

A deck of cards on the kitchen table is fine too. It all depends on the house. Less is more

AUG

2008

Thanks for the post, great ideas to read. I always set a counter or table, it adds color and completes the room.

I'm not one to tie towels in the bathroom, though I always use decorative towels at home and staging jobs, or use a tray on the bed as most of the homes I stage the owners are living there.

Joyce

Interesting question....it is a difficult line to draw. I guess it all depends on the home itself: you don't want to overstage a fixer-upper, but you don't want to understage a mansion. Sometimes staging can be over-suggestive, in that it suggests a use or design for a room that potential buyers just don't agree with....that can be a problem. Clean & simple are probably the two most important guidelines.

I like the use of games on tables if it's in the entertainment room and/or a kids play area. I've never filled a bathtub with water. That to me seems too risky.

And like others that have commented above, each home is different and therefore handled differently.

Kathy

SEP

2008

I'm glad to see other stagers saying less is more. I've have staged interior design showrooms using the faux food, and I think it definitely has it's place. Used in moderation those props can really add personality. Has anyone had issues with theft of these props? I know the retail showroom did.

SEP

2008

well different things are chessy to one person but not to the other ,I guess its just feeling your clients.

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