Ah, the early days of spring. Is there anything like it?
Flowers are blooming, and the sun is warming up. We are starting to see those signs of warmer weather on it’s way.
Not only is it time for that Spring Clean around the house, but it’s time to spruce up those couches and mantle pieces with fresh throw pillows, seasonal botanicals, candles and maybe a fresh coat of paint if you want to go all out.
Lean into this season’s refresh by adding bright hues, organic textures, bold patterns and breathable fabrics.
Here are some easy, simple changes to update your space.
Bright Hues
Throw Pillows, Blankets, Mantle Pieces and centerpieces.
Organic Textures
Woven Baskets, Wood Furniture, House Plants and Seasonal Botanicals
Bold Patterns
Wallpaper, Art Work, Murals
Breathable Fabrics
Swap out bedding, bathroom linen and kitchen textiles.
Whatever you decide to do, have fun and think outside the box. That’s what spring is all about!
Having a network in all areas of the field is crucial to maintaining and growing your home staging business. Realtors, Handymen, Movers, Carpenters, Furniture Vendors and Contractors are all professionals you should build a relationship with.
Building rapport with others in the business is going to keep the flow of business coming in. Not to mention word of mouth is the completely FREE and the best kind of marketing you can find. Busy businesses will keep contacting you for projects or they will give you budget friendly deals for their work. It’s a win win, when you build up that email list.
Thorough Documentation
When touring a home, I always make sure to take thorough notes, pictures and videos, so I know exactly what I’m going to bring to the table. Pun absolutely intended.
Take as many notes as you can. We’re talking measurements, home owner’s wants and needs, realtors specifications, every nook and cranny is photoed or video taped, any weak area to upgrade or re-design
Not only does it help document your preliminary ideas, it also gives you a visual guide you can access at any time. If you’re stuck on a corner, you have a reference to return to. Avoid leaving it up to an unreliable memory.
As Always, Time Management
Much like any other, time management is a big quality for running your own business, especially one that’s as busy as the real estate industry. This is where most of your business would be coming from, so it’s important to remember when your appointments are, clearly communicate how long they are going to take, and have a mapped out plan of your staging days.
Make sure to give clients set days to stage and photograph the project. This way, it’s worth everyone’s time and every party involved is in the know. This will give the client time to book a photographer for their listing and plan an open house with your beautiful staging. It’s up to you whether you want to rent your furniture for a weekend or a couple weeks. Just make sure to monetize the furniture in a way that benefits you best.
Don’t Marry Your Work
This is one for the artists in the room. Your plans could be stunning and your heart could be set on something you think is perfect. However… the client might hate it.
Unfortunately, this type of work is subjective, and there are plenty of creative differences within the process. If you come along that picky client (as much as you want to stage the home the way you envision it) it’s much better to keep them happy. Again.. a good review by word of mouth is the best FREE marketing you can find.
& My number one tip.. Continue to Learn
As a Home Stager your main goal is to sell the home. Quality staged rooms , gain quality buyers. It’s much easier to make the decision to buy a home when you can see the potential right in front of you. A career in Home Staging forces you to be multifaceted. Not only, is it important to know interior design trends, but it’s also crucial to know the ins and outs of real estate. Knowing the housing market, using architectural terminology, and knowing the trends in furniture, will help you sell yourself as an expert.
There is always something to be learned about your craft and about running your business. Read blogs and books published by your peers so that you fully understand the scope of the projects you land.
My book, The Art of Home Staging, is my only e-book available with all of my expertise and knowledge in Staging. I’ve owned & operated my Staging & Design Business since 2010 & have worked on hundreds of homes.
I created this book with home stagers, merchandisers and DIY-ers in mind, so they too can make a career out of staging homes on the market.
The Art of Home Staging by Richelle D. Stannard is available on Amazon & Kindle.
If you are a real estate agent, and interested in staging homes yourself, make sure you sign up for our newsletter. That way you don’t miss our next 3 Day Course: The Ultimate Guide to Knowing Your Product in Real Estate. My course benefits all agents new and seasoned. Here you will learn key terms and features of home design.
Consistency is key.
All and all, consistency in each of these areas will keep you on the right track to becoming a successful home stager. And most importantly, an expert in your field.
If you have more questions or want to connect, drop me an email. I’d love to chat!
Feeling unmotivated to finish, or maybe even get started on your plans for a Home Improvement project? It’s easy to come across road blocks, or just simply become overwhelmed in this process. Especially if you are DIYing the whole thing. What could be fun treasure hunt for some, can easily become a burden of a half-way done project for others.
Fear not! We have 3 streamlined steps to keep you moving through such a large process. Regardless if you are Doing It Yourself or looking to hire.
So grab your patience and your dedication, and let’s get to work!
Step 1: Declutter
This is the first and most important step. It’s 2023. Holding on to items for the purpose of ” I might need it later” is extremely outdated, and, to be honest, bad for environment.
Start organizing, donating or repurposing items room by room. For those with a busy schedule, save the big rooms for the weekend or when you have a lot of time to spend sorting. Chip away at the smaller areas like closets and bathrooms first, while you have a few moments during the week.
A good rule of thumb is to donate, sell or recycle (if you can) what hasn’t been used in a year. You likely won’t need it, and it will serve a better purpose for someone who does. Rather than wasting away in hidden boxes. Sentimental items? Of course, keep them. But if there isn’t an emotional attachment or it isn’t functional, get rid of it.
There are so many fulfilling ways to donate or sell your items that you may have a hard time tossing. Look up your local women’s shelter or veteran’s stores and give back to a part of the community in need. If you have items that are high end or valuable and you just can’t bare to give it away, consider a local consignment shop. That way you collect a return and help a small business at the same time.
For items that wont be leaving your home, consider looking into organization bins and storage boxes. There are a plethora of options from high to low end, to fit your needs. Some of our favorites are from Amazon, Target, The Container Store, IKEA and Big Lots.
Overall you will feel so much better in a clean, organized space and that will help you continue your journey to a Re-designed home. (And at a great pace too!)
Step 2: Source your Materials and Items
Have an idea of what you want, and stick to it. Create “Mood Boards” or documents with picture references, examples and pricing of items you want, so that you know exactly what you need and what track you are on. Place to board or binder, in an area where you can see it and reference back to it when needed. Avoid going off the rails as much as possible, especially if you’re on a tight budget. Keeping yourself organized at this point of the process is a huge help, when it comes to planning your re-design.
Some of our favorite stores to reference and purchase from are Richelle’s Furniture LA, Wayfair, Home Depot, Floor & Decor, Crate & Barrel, and Pottery Barn.
Here is an example of a Mood Boards/ Design Concept that we can help you create or you can put together yourself.
STEP 3: Hire Professionals
By this point, you might be burnt out, and ready to walk away. The amount of options that are available can be overwhelming and exhausting by the time you get it all sorted out. This would be a great time to hire professionals to assist you in major renovations, and an interior designer that can help you space plan. Hiring a professional will truly make your home, your very own sanctuary.
LA Home Staging and Design is an all inclusive company that offers a fully customizable menu of Re-Design and E-Design Services. We have qualified vendors for home improvements, so that you don’t have to spend hours pricing multiple companies. We also offer stunning design concepts, space planning, ordering and installation of home decor, to help you achieve the home you’ve always wanted.
We want the experience of Re-Designing your home to be easy and enjoyable. Let us do the grunt work, while you reap the joy of a fresh new space.
All month we’ve been decking the halls and lighting up the yule logs. It feels like the season has come and gone so quickly!
In more recent years, we’ve seen so many lovely traditional and non-traditional decor surrounding the holidays. We love the diversity and emergence of ALL Holiday’s being represented. There is no shortage for Holiday Decorating Ideas, no matter how you celebrate! So whether you love traditional colors, or decorate your tree with gorgeous flowers, here are some of our favorite Holiday decorating ideas for the 2022 Season.
In case you missed it last week, our socials spent time talking about LA Home Staging and Design’s Airbnb/Re-Design Services, and why it is so crucial for getting your listing booked.
The ultimate goal when running an Airbnb is to book your listing day in and day out. It’s a lucrative and sustainable business, that can be a great source of semi-passive income. With that said, it’s not as easy, as just owning a house and listing the space. Travelers are looking for manicured living spaces, that they know they will be comfortable staying in, even if it’s just for one night. There are a ton of tips on Airbnb’s Hosting Site that help guide you in the right direction, however that still doesn’t give you the knowledge of Design. Space design, color theory, and knowledge of materials are equally as important when it comes to creating that perfect space for your guests, and leaving an impactful first impression.
As professionals in the field, here are a few tips of our own, to help get your listing noticed and booked!
Keep your eye out for trending colors by searching paint sites like Benjamin Moore, Behr and Pantone. Choose your favorite hue and create a palette around it. If you’re taste is more minimal, choose a pop of color and few neutral colors to disperse around the space. Choose a bold color for the walls if you love color and want to edge on maximalism. You can find plenty of color examples here in our gallery. A fresh coat of paint, or a couple new throw pillows can go a very long way in sprucing up the color in your listing. Just make sure to decorate for the guests you want.
Choose Staple Pieces of Furniture
Look for timeless staple pieces that will last years. Neutral colored sectionals make it easy to switch out colors and styles as trends change, season by season. Ideally, you want to find a single piece of eye catching furniture to plan the rest of your items around. This could be a sofa, accent chairs or even play off some of the architecture, like exposed beams or a stunning fireplace. It all depends on the feeling you want to evoke. Is the space tranquil, or lively?
We offer great statement furniture with the launch of our new furniture line Richelle’s Furniture. Here is a trending favorite that we just added to our inventory.
Purchase Art Work and Textiles that Show Off Your Personality
Choosing Artwork or textiles that speak to you, or represents your culture, is a great way to connect with guests without having to say a word. It’s important to show off your personality and make the space seem relate-able. Textiles can be switched out when it’s time for a refresh, but a well chosen piece of Artwork will be timeless (and a conversation starter). Here are some stunning examples statement pieces for the wall.
Hire a Professional
If all else fails, let us shamelessly plug our amazing Re-Design services, specifically for Airbnb Listings. LA Home Staging & Design, in conjunction with Richelle’s Furniture will help create a thoughtful and inviting space for you and your guests. We help choose color palettes by coordinating the details of your home, like artwork and linens. We’ll also choose a few staple pieces of furniture that really show off your personality and the message you want to convey about your home. Most importantly we know what guests looks for when it comes to space design and living like they are at home. We’ll be sure to check off every point so that guests are at their most comfortable, and book your listing again and again! Ask us for a proposal today!
LA Home Staging and Design is proud to announce that we will be launching our very own designer furniture line, Furniture LA!
Because we adore our audience so very much, we wanted to give you all an exclusive sneak-peak of what you can expect from our line. We only want what is best for our clients when Staging, Re-Designing, or Designing your Airbnb, which is why we have partnered with companies that offer trending, quality products, at affordable prices.
Sleek lines and luxurious styles with quality leather and Boucle fabrics are some of the popular materials and styles you’ll find within our line. Making sure we have a piece for every personal style is extremely important to us. We want to be your go-to line for stylish and timeless items for your home.
In fact, we love you all so much, we are offering early access to ordering products before our site goes live! Just give us a call and mention this blog entry. You can order these items for personal use or for one of our 3 services. Whether your making your home feel more like you, or staging it to sell, our carefully curated line will be sure to leave you happy with your space!
The world is getting its color back, folks! The past few years have seen monochrome combinations of neutrals and organic decor. While trends show that the organic and sustainable decor and furniture, wont be going anywhere, anytime soon; we will be seeing much a more predominate existence of color.
Rich and beautifully toned “retro-like” colors are making there way into the scene. We have already seen the emergence of maximalism in the past few years, but these trending design moves are leaving plenty of room for the minimalists. Color blocked walls, neutral furniture and textured patterns. Mix the 3 and you won’t go wrong, no matter your decorating preferences.
Here are some of the colors that are trending as well get further into Fall/Winter.
Shades of Ruby
Look out for accessories and accent pieces with muted tones of red and maroon. Take into consideration these beautiful color blocked walls featured in Home & Gardens.
The Green Machine
Shadesof green have been trending for sometime now. However, where we would normally see deep saturated greens around the Holidays, we will begin to see more olives and grays, like in this gorgeously made up bedroom.
Warm Neutrals
Just because we are moving to more color, doesn’t mean Neutrals are out. Keep the ones you have or incorporate warmer tones like the ones seen in the glorious kitchen featured in this blog.
Chamomile
Warm and cozy gold tones can be a perfect accent color for a more neutral palette. Think , less mid-century, more modern, like this throw pillow selection from Crate and Barrel.
New Blue
Blue hues always bring a sense of calm and serenity. That’s a perfect match for the cozy feelings of fall. Check out these stunning blues that have been incorporated into this space.
There are so many different ways you can style your home and incorporate some gorgeous color. If you need even more inspiration, please take a look at my gallery page, or contact me for more information on my Re-Design Services
Simple and Effective Ways to Style Your Home for Fall
Styling a home for fall is one of the most exciting times of the year! It’s the time when we start to slow down after a busy summer and prepare for warm gatherings. A time when everyone looks forward to making pies and watching true crime under fuzzy blankets. When pillows and throws pile high and pair well with a cup of coffee. Home starts to feel cozy.
If you’re anything like us, a “Fall Reboot” is just what we need for that boost of serotonin. It’s the perfect way to celebrate the beginning of a new season. Of course, you can incorporate fall feelings with orange and yellow leaves, pumpkins upon pumpkins, and “Home Sweet Home” signs galore. But there are also more subtle ways to style inviting spaces if the “obvious”, just isn’t your thing.
So whether you’re into obvious fall trends or subtle nuances colder weather, here are some easy and affordable ways to transition your home to fall. Room by room.
A fireplace is the first area to begin bringing all the autumn feels indoors. What’s better, is that you can easily purchase capsule pieces that are easy to transition, just by adding a pop of color, or by switching seasonal botanicals in and out. Stoneware is one of our favorite materials to work with. Whether it’s a threesome of candle holders or these beautiful Joss & Main vases on Wayfair. These neutrals make a perfect year-around focal point. They just need an adjustment from season to season. Adding botanicals like dried protea, autumn eucalyptus and bunny tail bunches, help to create stunning visuals with a subtle pop of fall color. For the bottom half of a fireplace, incorporate 1-3 woven baskets and pile up on the chunky blankets and pillows.
Speaking of throws and pillows, adding chunky knits and textured materials to your sofa, is by far the easiest way to incorporate the fall season into your home. Faux fur, Waffle Knit, Crochet, all scream cozy and comfortable. If you love neutrals, stick to pallets and textures like these ones, from West Elm. Mixing textures is a great way to keep the space interesting without having to add Color. If you love a pop of color, this is your time to add a spice of deep oranges or yellows. Olive greens and deep blues are trending this season as well. So don’t be afraid to shy away from the traditional.
Dining Rooms are a staple of fall. Why, it’s the very place we gather around for a delicious meal with family and friends. Adding some homey place-settings and centerpieces to the table (or breakfast bar) is another easy way to prep for the season. Woven or knitted placemats can turn the simplest of dinnerware into a beautiful, autumn inspired setting. (These ones are on clearance!) Don’t forget those gorgeous centerpieces that can be interchanged. Tall vases and branchy botanicals are tried and true, but don’t underestimate the power of a unique center bowl with some dried fruit. This gorgeous travertine centerpiece bowl from Crate and Barrel is a stunning addition for fall. Even better, it can be paired with just about anything.
Now, if you just aren’t into the cliche of seasonal colors, or if adding prints to your space makes you feel over the top, styling a kitchen season by season can be challenging. Or seemingly pointless. However, bringing the essence of the season into the room by engaging our senses is the perfect way to update a kitchen. Of course, adding warm or muted colors with dish towels and oven mitts works, but you can also find ways to cozy up your kitchen by switching out scents and flavors. Set up a coffee station and fill it with your favorite spiced coffees or syrups. These dispensers from Amazon make it easy to switch up and label seasonal flavors, while keeping your space stylish and efficient. Adding a spiced soap like apple, cinnamon, vanilla or this pumpkin spiced soap set from William Sonoma is a sure way to get you in the mood for the switch over of fall.
Just like the kitchen, a bathroom needs just subtle changes for an incoming season. Try adding some spiced candles or switching out your hand towels with a pop of color. Items like dried botanicals or neutral wall decor can help make guests feel more invited when stepping into the loo. These framed prints from Uttermost add a stunning neutral to the room while leaving space for any style of bathroom decor that sparks inspiration for you.
When staging a home, there are 10 BIG mistakes a lot of people end up making that just throw off the design and space of the home. In order to successfully stage a home, be aware and be sure to avoid these 10 mistakes!
Using Furniture that’s Too Big for the Room: Many sellers and new stagers place furniture that is too large for the space. Sure, it might be comfortable and useful to have a sectional in the corner of the room, but in reality, it will take up a lot of space and make the room look much smaller. Instead, try using a sofa with a loveseat or accent chairs that will fit the space better.
Pushing all Furniture Against the Walls: Often, many people push furniture against walls. This tends to make large rooms look smaller if every piece of furniture is against the wall. Instead, try placing furniture at different angles or moving it away from the walls.
Hanging Artwork too High: Artwork and all other wall decorations should be hung at the average person’s eye level. Hanging wall art too high will make the ceiling look lower than it truly is, making the room look smaller.
Household Smells: Often, we become immune to the smell of our own home from food and pet odors. Visitors will notice these strange smells. Try using air fresheners and opening windows to freshen up the scent of the home for your new potential buyers.
Displaying personal photos and memorabilia: Keeping your personal photos and memorabilia on display is simply an invasion of privacy and a distraction for buyers. You don’t want the buyer focusing on you as the owner and your accomplishments, you want them to focus on the home and if they can see themselves living in it.
Bold Paint Colors: Going crazy with wall colors is not the way to go when listing your home. Keep it light and neutral, allowing the buyer to feel relaxed in the space.
White & Beige Everything: As much as we love the clean look of white and beige, we need to add some pops of color to the home.
Too Small or Too Big Area Rugs: Rugs should be large enough for the front legs of the sofa and chairs to be on it and small enough to not fully be covering the flooring space in the room. Smaller area rugs for an average room will make the room look insufficient and too large area rugs will crowd the room.
A Lack of Lighting: Naturally lit rooms always make the home feel more inviting. Open up the curtains, turn on all the lights, and add lamps if needed.
Allowing pets to remain in the home for showings: Some buyers might not have allergies or simply do not like pets. This can potentially ruin the opportunity to have the highest and best offer for your home. Remove all pets, toys, or any trace of pets before showing the home.
