Home Staging

Why You Should Start Your Home Staging Career in 2021

October 15, 2021 by Naomi

Who doesn’t love redecorating their bedroom? Imagine doing that as a career! Home staging is booming and it’s much more than just redecorating people’s bedrooms. Home staging is all about knowing the market, appealing to the demographic for the current market, while looking at what’s on trend, designing property aesthetics and then staging the property for the market that will sell at the best price possible. So, why should you start your home staging career in 2021?

Home staging is a necessity: once home staging enters an area it will never leave! Gone are the days of poorly tidied homes for sale, full of kids toys and stray dog hairs. Home staging allows you to put the properties best face forward and give potential buyers the best view of what they are buying. Home staging is all about potential and discovering both the properties inner potential and your inner potential.
People finally get it: for years home stagers have struggled with the question of ‘so what do you do that I can’t do?’ but alas the rest of the world is finally starting to get it. Home staging is more than just what looks good. Home stagers are a mix of real estate analysis and design trends analysis, meeting somewhere in the middle.
You don’t have to be trained overseas: the rise in home staging institutions in Australia has meant that up and coming home stagers are learning content that is directly related to what they will experience in Australia.
There is a home staging community: because home stagers have set on the bench for so long waiting for their time to shine a strong community has been built on support, successes and failures. Without the Internet home staging would not be as popular as it is now and that is primarily due to home stagers coming together online to share their experiences and design skills.
Higher quality performances: more home stagers mean that more people are gaining home staging experience which in turn raises the level of home staging projects. This allows for the entire industry to be seen as its own entity compared to people without any formal accreditation who stage properties for their personal style rather than the needs of the market.

All in all, home staging is on the rise and getting into the industry now is a great opportunity to skyrocket any career.

How to Create Vignettes

October 8, 2021 by Naomi

Are you confused or scared of vignettes?

Or better yet, are you wondering: “what on earth IS a vignette?”

Never fear – I am here to de-myth the glorious vignette that is ever so simple and effective when styled well!

A vignette is just a story of styling elements on a side, dining or coffee table.

Here’s 7 tips to get you started:

Tip 1: Find the light

Always style your vignette around a light source.

Otherwise no one will see it!

Tip 2: Be guided by your style

Let the items chosen for your vignette be guided by style of your room and home.

For example, if you have a traditional style, use even numbers.

If it’s a more relaxed vibe – mix it up with odd numbers.

Tip 3: Get colourful

Use pops of colour that you love or work with seasonal trends, you can change it up as your taste changes.

Tip 4: Style in odd numbers

If you don’t have a traditional styled home, I always recommend creating vignettes in 3, 5 or 7’s for big spaces!

Tip 5: Tall and short

Vary the height of the items used in your vignette.

You can use a pedestal or stack of books to bring them up to height if needed.

Tip 6: Create depth

Vary the depth of your vignette to create interest – there should be no straight lines!

Tip 7: Texture, texture, texture!

Incorporate different textures into your vignette.

Mix it up with natural materials, metallics, gold, glass and matte.

There you have it! Everything you need to no longer be scared or confused by vignettes – enjoy!

How to Choose the Perfect Art

September 17, 2021 by Naomi

We know art can bring so much life to a space.

Whether it’s adding interest to a room, bringing in a pop of colour, or replacing a TV – art can be a beautiful addition to any home.

But like most things, there are so many options out there that it can be hard to decide what art work will look great in your space!

What size, colour, theme, frame, height, type should you choose?!!!!

Don’t let the options overwhelm you – let the style of your space and your own favourite things influence your decision so you choose the right art every time.

Here’s 6 things that will help you choose the perfect art work!

1. Consider scale

If your space has a huge wall, you need huge art – it’s as simple as that.

If your space is smaller, you only need a smaller piece. For bigger spaces, you can also use complimentary art and have two or three or more on the wall – get creative!

2. Trust your instincts

What do you love? What do you connect with?

Trust your gut and choose art that catches your eye. You won’t regret it if you love it.

3. Use the internet

These days, you don’t have to view art in a gallery (although I still enjoy doing this).

Check out phenomenal artists from your local area or go worldwide and search for beautiful art around the world – the options are endless with the internet and social media!

4. Go black and white

Let’s face it, monochrome goes with everything. If you’re choosing art, especially in home staging, try sticking to black and white prints.

They’re easy to mix and match and can look both super modern or classic – it’s a win win.

5. Be bold, be brave

If you’re looking to really make a splash with your art, why not consider mixing up traditional and slightly modern pieces together.

It can make your space feel extra unique when done well.

6. Remember, art is not just painting

Open your mind and look around…art is everywhere!

It can be photography, hand drawings, even things you’e created yourself. Paintings are beautiful but they are not your only option.

So that’s it – just start!

Art is so affordable now, it doesn’t need to be a large investment. Choose art you love with the above advice and make your space look and feel amazing!

Must-Have Home Staging Stock

September 10, 2021 by Naomi

When you reach a certain point in your home staging business, acquiring stock and inventory is an essential step up.

Purchasing this stock might seem like a bit of a leap, and depending on what stock you purchase, it might be.

However, if you are smart about what and how much stock you purchase, you could improve your overall home staging business.

Create a Sanctuary — Image via Style Curator

When it comes to stock there is typically two types: soft furnishings and hard furnishings.

Soft furnishings include items such as pillows, linen, lamps and small accessories. The way I like to think about soft furnishings is that I could pack them all in a box and put them in my car.

On the other hand, hard furnishings are big items such as lounges, arm chairs, dining tables, coffee tables, and so on. These are the items that can’t be packed and loaded single handedly.

Logically, soft furnishings should be acquired first, then later down the track hard furnishings can be acquired. It’s important to be able to consider what sort of stock you should have now!

SOFT FURNISHINGS

When it comes to soft furnishings, the items below can be purchased relatively cheaply and in bulk.

Pillows: Purchasing pillows that work well in a wide range of environments is a great way to get the most out of your money. Choose pillows in a few colours and designs so they can be used on their own or grouped together.
Faux flowers and plants: Faux flowers and plants are great when the right ones are purchased because they can look amazing and used in a range of spaces and styles. Plus they last a long time!
Books: Theses can be purchased from an op shop and are a great way to add texture and create a ‘lived in’ feeling to any space. These are the most cost-effective soft furnishings and can be used in any environment, from a study, bedroom, lounge room or even an outdoor setting.
Knick-knack accessories: These are small accessories that can be used in a variety of environments – anything from vessels, small bowls, candle holders, or any other small accessories.
Linen packs: This isn’t absolutely necessary, but having coverlets and toppers can transform a room from something dull to something amazing.

229f1da3e9e8b569b0beceee69dce779 — Image via immyandindi.com.au

HARD FURNISHINGS

As for hard furnishings, these items are more expensive so it is beneficial to go for quality over quantity.

Mattresses: Often clients do not have enough beds to show off the best use of the space, or they have moved and have taken their mattresses with them so these are a must!
Dining chairs: Not all dining chairs go with tables, or look good with them, so having some neutral dining chairs that work with a range of colours is a great idea so you can use the clients dining table.
Bedside tables: Bedside tables have the potential to open up the bedroom and transform the space into something amazing. Having bedside tables that are unique, yet work well in a variety of environments is essential.
Lounges: Lounges can easily begin to look old, worn and unpleasant when they’ve been used for years. Having lounges in stock that are a neutral colour are a great idea as they can be used in a range of different styled homes.
Coffee tables: Coffee tables are a great way to show off the space in a lounge room and add an element of homeliness to the space. Not everyone has a coffee table, and if they do it might be old and worn. Having new, coffee tables as part of your stock can transform a space.

5512a478c1edcd04581dc6e05593f575 — Image via southernliving.com

How to Get the Most Out of Your Home Staging Experience

July 30, 2021 by Naomi

When you are preparing to put your property on the market, chances are you want the best price possible right? Of course!

This usually means hiring a home stager to give you the best chance at getting the highest return. You can choose to have your property completely staged (if you are planning on removing all your furniture prior to inspections), or you can opt for partial styling.

Now, if you want to use home staging to your fullest advantage, there’s a few things you should do before having a consultation with your property stylist.

1. De-clutter

De-cluttering your property is a must before it goes on sale and before you have a consultation with a home stager. Remove the stacks of DVD’s, CD’s, and bookshelves stacked high with odds and ends. All the things you have been meaning to clear out and anything that doesn’t have a spot must be sorted. Not only will this help in the moving process but it will instantly make your property feel more spacious and fresh!

b363605415be4c504ab6c930559cc457 — Image via apartment34.com

2. Remove valuables and images

You don’t want your valuables to be damaged during the sale process. If something is special to you but it does not go with the theme of the property, removing it prior to a home stager coming in is a good idea so someone else doesn’t have to tell you to remove it. Similarly, removing images is a must! Potential buyers don’t want to feel like they are walking through someone else’s property so family photos are unnecessary.

3. Remove toys

Even if you are living in the property during the sale process, limiting the amount of toys used to a small box that can easily be packed away in the car during open homes is a great idea. Toys are not necessary when displaying a home as a family home. Not only that but toys in the home during open houses make the property feel as if it is someone else’s and potential buyers cannot fully imagine themselves living in the space.

2b6488ed9394703e9e765d7a8c9218cc — Image via mydomainehome.com.au

4. Yard cleanliness

Keeping your yard in immaculate condition during the sale process is of utmost importance! Street appeal is the first thing that draws a buyer in so ensuring that the yard looks well-kept, with trimmed hedges, cut grass and clean footpaths is absolutely essential!

af6f6323ff2fc3883b5f95223dc1abd2 — Image via homestolove.co.nz

5. Be open

There is no point hiring a stager if you are going to shut down every idea they have. Good home stagers are experts in design and the real estate market, which means they know what sells and what doesn’t. If you hire a stager but then rearrange everything as soon as they leave, then the whole process was a waste of your time and money. The property design does not have to be to your personal taste, or even to the personal taste of the stager, it just has to be that of the market.

Do these things combined with the guidance of your property stylist, and you’ll see your property selling faster and for more money!

Bathroom Renovations for Sale: The Must-Do’s

July 23, 2021 by Naomi

It is inevitable that before you sell your property you will have to do some bits and bobs around the house.

Renovating your bathroom ready for sale can get quite expensive quickly so it is important to figure out what you should be investing in.

Your bathroom could make or break how fast and how much your property sells for. So, what should you invest your money in to and what should you skip when renovating?

Here’s 6 must-do’s that should be on your list:

Ensure that the toilet is in complete working order – it’s a must! This is something that will start being used as soon as the new owners move in so it is absolutely essential. If the toilet bowl is cracked, leaking, wobbly or looks old then it is time to replace it for the market. No one wants to buy a house with a toilet that looks gross or broken so it is of utmost importance to fix this up right away!

2. Make sure all taps are working correctly. Fix any leaks or loose handles before you put your property on the market. The good thing about this is that it can be done in half an hour at a reasonably low price! Don’t stress if the hot and cold labels are mixed up or the wrong way around. This is common and not difficult to figure out.

3. Ensure that all drawers in the vanity and bathroom area are in working order. Focus on making sure they are clean, and open and close smoothly.

4. Fix any cracked, chipped or mouldy tiles. As most bathrooms have tiles on the floor and walls, it is absolutely essential that the tiles look clean and new.

5. Ensuring that all plumbing is in working order. If your plumbing looks dodgy or doesn’t work properly, your property will probably not get the price it deserves on the market.

6. Fix any lights that are hanging out of their socket. Not only is this a hazard but it also makes the bathroom look neglected. Installing new lights in this instance is essential.

While your bathroom may only be a small part of your property, it is an area that is used everyday and therefore needs to be presented well when you go to market.

Why is Defining the Function of a Space Important?

July 16, 2021 by Naomi

When someone moves into a new property, one of the first things they think is ‘what will I use this space for?’

Some spaces are obvious…the kitchen is for cooking, the bedroom is for sleeping, the lounge room is for watching television. But as home stagers, we know there’s so much more to it than that!

The spaces we create don’t necessarily have to be practical for day to day living. By that, I mean we don’t need to include a ‘play room’ for kids or a spot for all the shoes at the front door.

It is important that we hold onto the hopeful mentality that buyers have and create a space that would be used in an ideal world (without the clutter!)

So, why is it so important to define the function of a space as a home stager?

Image via amberinteriordesign.com

When an empty property is put on the market, potential buyers are likely to become overwhelmed over the prospect of what they will use each space for. What room is better for a teenager and what one for a preteen? Should there be two living spaces? Is there enough room for a study space or home office?

Similarly, when a property is put on the market without professional property styling and using the seller’s current layout, the property is less likely to appeal to the buyer. Leaving the property in it’s original state will create elements of clutter and uncertainty about what space is to be used for what. This is because we adapt to how our families use a space and often don’t notice that there is anything out of the ordinary about this.

This is where the magic of home staging comes in.

When staging a property, it is up to the home stager to determine what a space is best used for. If there is an awkward space between two bedrooms, a home stager may place a study desk there. This is something potential buyers might not have thought of doing, but seeing the desk there allows for the space to seem larger, and like the desk was always supposed to go there.

Image via cocolapinedesign.com

The accessories and furniture home stagers use allow for a space to have a clear and obvious activity attached to it. The items in the bedroom show that the space is used for sleeping, and the same goes for the lounge room, study space and kitchen. Doing this allows for potential buyers to see the size of the space, as well as the ideal activity to be done in the space, creating a homely and ‘I could live here’ atmosphere for all potential buyers.

Image via myscandinavianhome.com

Small Details that Matter in Every Space

July 9, 2021 by Naomi

Some of the most amazing properties I’ve seen have all had one thing in common – every single detail had been considered.

As home stagers, we have some influence to suggest small changes to improve the overall presentation of a property and I always recommend updating the single elements that make up the overall look and feel of a space.

Details that should not be overlooked are things like door knobs, door hinges, handles and draw pulls. Consider both internal and outdoor fixtures like the hardware of the front door for the ultimate first impression!

Even in contemporary and modern builds, you can still add a bespoke finish with brass, antique, chrome or matte finishes.

I just love a space that has custom finishing on the door hardware including the hinging!

As soon as someone walks in, you can see their eye dance around the room and notice the larger elements but also touch on the finer details that really create that ultimate buyer experience.

Combined with great styling and lots of light, these little considerations will take your space to amazing!

Why Lamps are Essential in Your Styling

July 2, 2021 by Naomi

I’m a big believer that no matter how gorgeous your interiors are; without light, there is no life.

That’s why I am a huge fan of lamps in all shapes and sizes. They can light up your space and create a completely different atmosphere.

Here’s some different types of lamps you can use when you style your next property!

Table Lamps

I love using table lamps in my styling, especially in bedrooms and living spaces.

Not only can they look divine, they give you an alternative form of light to windows or ceiling lights, and allow you to create a more calm and relaxing mood.

Occasional Lamps

These types of lamps are slightly different to table lamps – they are usually bigger and much more opulent.

I use these to make a statement and usually opt for ceramic or metallic styles to really create the wow factor.

Desk Lamps

These are all about function to help you work and are usually smaller than a standard table lamp.

Use them to add warmth to your work space and layering to your desk.

Floor Lamps

These look great next to an accent chair or behind the couch in the living room.

They add another level of lighting for extra ambience in a space that can be for entertaining or just lounging around for a movie night!

That’s it! The best part about lamps is that they’re not permanent fixtures! You can move them around and change them out each season as your tastes change.

New Ideas for Your Home Staging Business

June 25, 2021 by Naomi

Figuring out how to stay above your competition can be difficult. Do you drop your prices? Do you become more like your competition? Do you change your core business structure?

The great news is that you don’t have to do any of the above!

In the age of technology, you can do a million and one things to switch up your business and create a unique element of interest that sets you above other home stagers in your area.

All that you have to decide is what ideas you are going to pursue! Here’s some to get you started:

Create a YouTube channel

It’s no secret that YouTube is the place to be at the moment. Creating a YouTube channel where you can give home staging advice, film the process of staging a property (you will need to get your clients permission for this), film your day to create a ‘Day in the Life of a Home Stager’ vlog or even just discussing key topics in the industry is a great way to promote your business, earn some extra money and create a whole new business venture.

Start a blog

This is just the written version of a YouTube video. Blogs are a great way to engage your audience and to share advice and your thoughts.

Warehouse tours

We know home staging involves a lot of storage and everyone stores things differently. Join up with some other local home stagers and host a warehouse tour on a weekend to allow for maximum creative flow, new ideas for storage and in turn bring the community closer together.

Create an online op-shop

it is inevitable that home staging businesses have a reasonable amount of stock turnover.. Instead of just throwing these pieces away, you can put them online. This can be connected to your home staging business website and act as a side project. Whenever an item of stock wont be used again just post it on the op-shop for someone else to buy. You can label the stock as pick up only between certain times. This is a great way to regularly clear out old or broken stock to make way for new items.

Host regular home staging meet ups

It is so important to have positive relationships with other home stagers in your area. Hosting a meet up every few months will allow for a community to form where you are able to discuss local issues in the home staging community and create other events such as educational events and charity events.

Want to join a community of likeminded professionals in the home staging industry? Check out our Professional Membership, so many amazing inclusions for a small monthly fee! Click below to find out more.

Simple Styling Hacks for Flowers

June 18, 2021 by Naomi

With a change in season I find myself scrolling images for inspiration. Sometimes people think when winter comes around, you can’t have fresh flowers – totally not the case!

I love a beautiful arrangements of flowers. They can be used to either make a statement or to just add a touch of greenery to a room. Adding a touch of flowers can add a different element to the space, for example, making an area more cheerful, adding a hint of fragrance, adding a pop of colour or to even complement or enhance the current style/design within the space.

The beauty of it all is there are no hard rules on how or where you choose to incorporate flowers. You can add them in your kitchen, living, dining or even your bathroom. The look you want to create can differ depending on whether you choose long and thin flowers or short and rounded shaped ones. You may find yourself varying the look and feel as the flowers need changing to truly create your own personal touch knowing you haven’t spent a lot of money.

Image from Staging Designs

The images included are some of my inspiring shots where the use of flowers complimented the entire design of the room.

How to transition from your corporate job to running a home staging business

June 4, 2021 by Naomi

If you have a passion for styling homes, building your own home staging business can be one of the most rewarding careers out there. There’s the creative freedom, working your own hours and dealing with the clients of your choice. In theory, it’s an easy decision to change your career overnight, but I know that the transition from full time work in a corporate setting to running your own business is a little more complicated than that.

To help make it a little easier, follow these 4 steps to ensure your transition from working a 9 – 5 to running a home staging business is a smooth and successful one:

Set your work hours

I’ve heard people say that the main reason that they want to run their own business from home is because they can work only when they want to work. It IS true that you can set your own work hours when you work at home but it does NOT mean that you don’t have to have set work hours.

When you have a job that you go to outside your home, you are required to be at that job at a specified time on specified days of the week. When you have a work at home job or business, you need that same kind of structure. You need to set regular working hours. The freedom that a work at home job provides is that you can choose the hours…but you do have to choose!

A ‘hit or miss’ work schedule…or rather, the lack of any work schedule at all, simply will not work. Time is of the Essence! YOUR time!

Let your friends and family know your work schedule

The benefits of running your own business means you can be at home to see the kids off to school and be at home when they get home. You can put a load of laundry in and it can run through the cycles while you are working. But you must enforce a work schedule for yourself and insist that your family and friends also adhere to it.

A job out in the brick and mortar world tells your family and friends that your time is spoken for during your working hours. When you work from home, expect your spouse to see you as being free to run errands. Your friends will see you as being available for long telephone conversations, lunch or for a coffee klatch.

You can see the problem. The best way to accomplish using your time to your own best advantage with your business is to make a schedule and tell your family and friends what that schedule is.

You don’t have to be rude but you do have to be firm. Make it clear to all. “I will be working between 9 AM and 3 PM Monday through Friday. On those days and during those hours, I am NOT available to run errands or take personal phone calls or entertain company.” Then stick to it!

Create your own brand

When running your own business, you need to work on creating your brand. A brand is more than a name or a physical feature, it is the perception that customers have about your product or service. It’s your promise to your audience. In general terms, it’s an idea or image of a specific product or service that consumers connect with.

Whilst in the order of things a logo usually comes first, the trick is to then grow your brand from there.

When establishing your brand first work out what the vision, values and personality of your company are. Consider your audience and define them. What’s their age, gender, occupation, location and personality traits? When doing these exercises, also remember that this is not about defining you or describing what you like, you need to put yourself in the shoes of your potential buyers to see what they desire.

Figure out your competition

In the age of technology, you can do a million and one things to switch up your business and create a unique element of interest that set you above other home stagers in your area. All that you have to decide is what ideas you are going to pursue!

This could be creating your own Youtube channel where you share advice or film the home staging process of a property. It could be starting a blog to engage your audience and direct traffic to your website. There’s even options like offering warehouse tours and creating an online op-shop for old furniture stock – get creative!

Are you ready to start your career in home staging? Click on the image below to claim your spot in our flagship course now!