To vignette or not to vignette? That is the question!

You are right Allegra, there isn't a stager out there who doesn't prefer to do a full house of staging as opposed to vignettes.  As people become tighter with their money it is wise to have a less expensive alternative.  I believe offering a vignette is a great solution.

You are getting the attention of those people who just can't afford to do a complete staging.  You are showing them what their house can look like with just a few simple touches.  You would be surprised what a great piece of art can do for a room. 

Vignettes can also get the people who are on the fence about staging to committ.  Once a house is vignetted they may feel comfortable enough with you to have you stage the rest of the house.  It is also a good way to introduce yourself to new clients.  If someone is holding back from staging the whole house offer to do a room just to get their feet wet.

Our goal is to is to stage the whole house, of course, but there are going to be times we will need to take a different approach and this sounds like a good one.

Laurie A. Mahoney

DESIGNED, STAGED AND SOLD, INC.

Allegra,

I wholeheartedly agree.  One of our first Realtor client's first staging was just vignette staging, (a relo - the bank picked up the tab).  Now she is paying for our stagings herself and not just vignettes anymore.  She has seen the success staging brings.  She recently told us she's sure that is why her listings sell in under 30 days.  What a compliment to our industry.

If we had the business to only do full staging, perhaps it would be a different story.  But with the current economy, I like to try & help those that understand staging works  but just can't afford the full blown effect.

Allegra, great post! I agree that the type of vignetting you're talking about is definitely a good idea, especially when the alternative is nothing at all! The type of vignetting I do not advocate is putting one or two random pieces of furniture in a room instead of fully furnishing it (or instead of not furnishings it but using art & accessories only). For instance, I don't like sticking a single chair with a throw on it in a living room and calling it a day. Some think it makes a difference, but I'd rather see plants, art and a few well placed accessories in lieu of the chair. In my mind it will feel like an unfinished job OR it will make it seem as if the room is too small for regular sized furniture. Maybe it's me but I am not a fan of that type of vignette. I would definitely recommend the vignetting you're talking about to a client with a low budget though!

I always have a running debate in my head going on about vignettes and if I feel they are a good choice or not.  I think a lot of good points were made and if they are done well and not just random pieces of furniture stuck here and there it can work and offers an affordable solution for some home sellers.

Working within the clients budget sometimes brings out the real creativity.  Some rooms can use a simple staging while others require a full staging. 

We have to remember that not all sellers have the funds for a full service.

To me a vignette is a grouping that accentuates the selling feature of a room.  If the seller can only afford a single chair in a living room, augment it with a throw, greenery, side table, lamp and picture and cosy it up beside the fireplace.  Make it colorful.  It will make an inviting MLS picture that was created affordably.   Something is better than nothing, but must be displayed in conjunction with other display pieces, not in isolation.  While full staging is always aesthetically preferable, we have to be prepared to offer solutions to sellers, and that includes financial solutions, not just creative ones.  - Leah

Allegra,

You did a great job in the kitchen vignette. I agree that well placed vignettes can create a mood, a function, and a feeling of home, while highliting the homes best features. Sometimes we have to do what we have to do, and you did it well. Keep up the good work

Sharon

Allegra, Congrats on your first post! It's a good one.  I love the idea of vignette staging. That is a great idea.  I do that myself for my vacant listings but it would be great if stagers offered it too.

I think if vignettes are done properly they can be good, but when a few pillows, a plant, and a book are all that's in a family room...well, I'm not really sure how that defines the space or makes it look like a place I would want to buy.  But I agree, it's a good alternative.

I recently staged a home and focused on the main rooms, living room, dining room, master bedroom and ensuite. I am pleased with the results because homebuyers can see the potential that this home has to offer!