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raising hand I have a question

By Susan Cunningham

Home Stager with NE Atlanta Home Staging

March 31, 2008 12:29 AM

Honestly,I believe there isn't a definite answer, but, as I slowly look for the deals on accessories to build up some inventory, I wonder where my $$ would be best spent - artwork? florals?

So my question is "What do you like to have an abundance of in your decor reservoir?" "What do you find is the most lacking in homes you stage?"

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Mary Lou Teague

HOME STYLE AND STAGING LLC - Knoxville, TN

Home Style and Staging Knoxville. TN

I have both actually. I use both artwork and greenery together. You can shop for the best deals. Picking up pieces here and there, then soon you will have a stock to use. I can't keep some of my things as when I use them the homeowners will want to purchase to take to the new house...

Mar 31, 2008 04:13 AM

Susan Cunningham

NE Atlanta Home Staging - Suwanee, GA

R.E.VISION - Suwanee, GA

I am finding the hardest to get at great prices, is quality artwork. I have put togethr some pieces myself using ideas that have come through AR. But, getting really quality looking pieces hasn't crossed my path as yet.

Greenery is a much easier find. Quite often it is on sale, or once in a while you can even find some that are very acceptable at Wal-mart ~ I am pretty picky when it comes to florals and greenery - no bright green, or blue-green stuff for me! ;)

When Hobby Lobby is running a good sale on decor items, I try to purchase some to keep on hand.

It's a process, but I do enjoy the hunt! It's another way I can exercise my creative side.

Mar 31, 2008 07:18 AM

Sandy Ridgway

Designs For You - Columbus, OH

Designs For You

I also use both and find both things equally important. I have been building up my stash and have been finding great deals. I've bought almost all of my artwork at Kirklands. They have great accessories and mirrors too. They will give 10% discount for businesses. I look for my greenery at various places. Old Tyme Pottery and JoAnns, with a 40% off coupon. I never pay full price. There is a group on here you should check: Attention Home Stagers - Sales and Coupons.

Mar 31, 2008 09:09 AM

Lynn Crawford

A Different View - Olney, MD

Staging DC & Maryland

Susan - I agree with everyone that they are of equal importance. Lately I've been doing more vacants and they really deplete my artwork inventory. I usually go for the really large pieces of art - I think they provide a larger impact on the digital photos. For greenery I've started putting together custom arrangements. I get a couple of high-end silk floral catalogues that I use for guidance. Then like some of the others, I wait until Michaels has their 50% off sale on silk flowers and glass vases and I make my own arrangements with "wonder water". The cost is minimal compared to what I would spend to purchase them and I get to coordinate the colors with the accessories and art.

Mar 31, 2008 01:42 PM

Fernando Rosado

West Palm Beach, FL

561-906-0050 or 561-840-8950

Definetely I think You will find that each staging has a different necessity. On that same note Yes its a good idea to buy accessories, florals,etc, but you will also need bedding, dishes and glassware, towels, etc.

Every job makes me buy new things then thats how the inventory starts growing. Some people have even the furniture . that way the rental is all yours !

Mar 31, 2008 01:45 PM

Maureen Bray Portland OR Home Stager ~ Room Solutions Staging

Room Solutions Staging, Portland OR - Portland, OR

"Staging Consultations that Sell Portland Homes"

Artwork is a big one ... a recent typical staged vacant used 15 pieces, and that was just a normal-sized house and only the "impact" rooms! Vases, florals, trees, kitchen counter decor, table linens, bedding, area rugs, lamps, small and large decor items round out my usual shopping lists. Be prepared to spend many thousands of dollars on these accessories as you build your staging inventory.

Mar 31, 2008 03:48 PM

Teresa Mills Schremm

Looking Fine by Redesign, LLC - North Olmsted, OH

Online Home Staging - Coast to Coast, ASHSR

Home Goods is a great place to find artwork and accessories. They frequently have sales and they have a wide array of styles and colors. They have greenery....and as Fernando said....bedding, glassware, towels, etc. is a MUST...Home Goods has these items too. Old Tyme Pottery is a good place to shop. You will have to be selective...some of their items are "cheap" quality...but others very nice "high-end" looking. They especially have good choices on bedding...they buy overstock from major chains. You can find "designer" bedding for a fraction of the original retail cost.

Apr 01, 2008 09:00 AM

Susan Cunningham

NE Atlanta Home Staging - Suwanee, GA

R.E.VISION - Suwanee, GA

Well, from everyone's great comments ~ there really is an "art" to handling the staging extras that are quite often needed.

I think that in time keeping up with what is needed or what would be beneficial to keep on hand may become somewhat routine ~ which is good. It should ultimately help to save time and cost.

Thank-you all so much for giving me further insight to this aspect of the industry!

Apr 01, 2008 01:57 PM

Gary Barnett

Home Matters - Indianapolis, IN

Home Matters Property Stylist Group, Indianapolis

All accessories are vital. One of the things we are constantly on the look for are substantial pieces. The ones that pull everything together and create the "Pop". Those can be art, floral centerpieces, or a variety of things. They tend to be the priciest pieces so hunting them down at an affordable price is the name of the game. Places like Home Goods, Pier 1, Marshals, even local furniture stores always have hidden treasures to be found. Do not overlook finding the places that Designers shop. Those are the places that offer high end at wholesale.

Apr 03, 2008 03:04 AM

Susan Cunningham

NE Atlanta Home Staging - Suwanee, GA

R.E.VISION - Suwanee, GA

Gary ~ I can totally understand that having some good substantial pieces is important. I know that I really need to incorporate more of these in my blossoming inventory!

Thanks! :)

Apr 03, 2008 09:55 AM

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