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Must-Have Home Staging Stock

October 17, 2019 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

Why is Defining the Function of a Space Important?

October 3, 2019 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

How to Choose the Perfect Art

July 25, 2019 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!

5 Hacks to Help You Choose Your Cushions

July 10, 2019 by Naomi

Have you ever struggled to find the right cushions for your couch?

Some stylists make it look so effortless – and it can be! That’s why I’ve put together my top 5 hacks for choosing the right cushions that will take your living space to the next level.

Identify your colour palette

Have a look around your living space. Look at the walls, carpet, lounge and curtains – what colours are present?

Keep this close when you choose your scatter cushions – opt for 1 or 2 solid colours, then add ones with different textures and patterns.

2. Let your style dictate your cushions

What style is your home? If you have a traditional theme, opt for an even number of cushions with one large one at each end and a smaller one in front of it.

If you have a more casual, contemporary or eclectic vibe, incorporate an uneven number of cushions and none that are matching.

3. Mix up your shapes and sizes

Gone are the days when we have to have the same shape and size on our lounges.

It’s all about different sizes and shapes – matchy matchy is no longer the way to go.

4. Add some texture

Not keen for multiple coloured cushions? That’s okay, just stick with one specific colour way and then use different textures and patterns.

You’ll be blown away by the result!

5. Have a few variations for different seasons

Want a more relaxing feel in winter when you’re lounging around the house? But don’t want to give up some of your favourite cushions all year round?

Add some punches with pops of colour and patterns during the warmer seasons – then you can put out your more muted palettes when you make the switch in winter – or vice versa!

5 Tips to Create the Perfect Private Sanctuary

June 27, 2019 by Naomi

It’s so easy to get caught up in the busy day-to-day routine…most of us forget to schedule time in for ourselves even though this results in more productivity and creativity when we get back to work.

This is why it’s a great idea to create a room just for you, a room where you can listen to music, write, read your favourite book – anything that helps you to relax!

Today I want to help you create your own personal sanctuary. You might think having an hour to yourself every few days isn’t important but it is! We need to revitalize our body by having rest days and making relaxation a priority – that way you can perform better in business and in life! So here’s my top 5 tips for creating a relaxing retreat for yourself.

Step 1. Get Rid Of All That Clutter!

Have you ever noticed when you are surrounded by too much ‘stuff’ you feel lazy, confined and not to mention unclean? It’s a fact then when you are surrounded by clutter your energy is down! Take out everything you don’t use that is just getting covered in dust and keep only what you really need or really want in your special space.

Step 2. Freshen UP!

What colour makes you smile? Consider what shades are in style this month and add a pop of it into your space using paint or some removable wallpaper for that extra bit of style. If you don’t have time to do that, go out and purchase some colourful cushions, throws and artwork (or make your own) to liven up a bland room. Add some colourful flowers just to finish off.

Step 3. Turn off that phone!

You are in YOUR space, trying to forget about the rest of the world. A phone ringing will bring you out of that Zen state straight away! So no Telephones, Computers, TV’s or IPads! So what if one of your guilty pleasures is watching your soap operas? That’s okay, just make sure you turn off the TV as soon as it’s over! It signals too much stimulation and not enough relaxation.

Outdoor Space Sanctuary — Image via Interiors Addict

Step 4. Smells too good to be true.

When you have your favourite candle burning, it immediately sends you to a happy place. An amazing scent can help you feel relaxed and pampered. So make sure you have a selection off candles, oils or incenses to aid in the indulging.

Step 5. It isn’t a cell!

Ever noticed when you sit out in the sun for 5 minutes you feel better? Bringing natural light into your space is important as nature has a relaxing effect on us, it’s also good to get some vitamin D! So put an armchair under a window or even a sun bed and soak it all up!

Enjoy!

Do you love these style tips? Click here to check out my Pinterest board for more style inspiration!

How to Style Open Shelves

May 9, 2019 by Naomi

Lets face it, sometimes it’s easier to hide our mess behind closed doors – but I really do love open shelving, for so many reasons!

Luckily, open shelving does not have to look like a cluttered mess. When styled right, it can add so much character and interest to your space that you might want to do away with all your cupboard doors!

Check out these great options below.

Modern Desk Accessories design by West Elm

Don’t think of open shelves the same way you think of storage, it’s not about squeezing in everything you can!

Instead, make your open shelves the feature of your room.

By using simple floating open shelves you can create so many different looks depending on what you accessorise the shelves with.

They can totally be functional too, just a more presentable version of what you’d usually store away!

Want to attend our National Home Staging Symposium before spots run out? Get your tickets below!

Hey, guys. I’m back again for another installment to answer some questions that have been emailed through to me.

I’ve had a few people email through their question and I’ll read it to you here.

We’re just starting up our home staging business and we really need to know about how you do your beds.

That’s an interesting question, isn’t it? I am going to answer that to the best of my ability and hopefully everyone will be able to take a snippet from that.

I’m assuming that this question is pertaining to what sorts of beds we use in our installs. Let’s look at our options.

The first option is, obviously, a traditional slatted timber bed that needs to be pretty much built on site. It has the side rails that has the header and the footer and the slats that the mattress would sit upon. There’s one option.

The next option is an ensemble bed and, obviously, the last option is a bit of a more temporary bed. It may be an inflatable bed, it may be a camp stretcher with an inflatable mattress on top or it may be a camp stretcher with a foam mattress on top.

These are all different sorts of options. That’s not all of them, but they are some of the different options that you have when you’re staging a property and you want to put in some beds.

What do we do? If I’m going to be dead honest about what we do here at Silk Home, which is my brick and mortar home staging business, we actually use a lot of ensemble beds.

We used to use the slatted headers and footers with the side rails, but the time it took to construct the beds on site meant that our productivity was greatly diminished.

And that meant that we needed more than one person to be on site installing every single house, even after the initial drop off of furniture was complete by the muscle, basically. That was a bit of a negative for us. It really did take some time.

The other thing we noticed is that the mechanisms that you’re adhering everything to did, over time and after multiple assembling and disassembling, wear. We steered away from that.

That pointed us to our ensemble beds.

We have, as well, used all varieties of camp stretchers and foam mattresses/camp stretches and air mattresses, but one of the big problems we found with air mattresses was that sometimes they do go down.

You often find that the time you get a call is 7:30/8:30/9:00/10:00 on a Saturday when, often, you’re busy doing other things, saying,

“I’ve just taken everyone into an open home and the mattress is deflated. I need something else here right now because the open home has pretty much been ruined by the fact that there’s a deflated mattresses and a slump-looking bed sitting in what might have been an amazing master suite before.”

One of the problems I have with inflatable beds is they certainly have their locations, but one of the things that you need to make sure you think about is they aren’t 100% reliable.

I can probably hear many people going, “What about those places where you can’t get an ensemble base into?” Absolutely right. It’s a huge, huge challenge.

There are many places, especially in the older parts of town, where the stairwells are too skinny and the lifts are too small and the landings at the top of stairs are too small to be able to work an ensemble base around.

In those cases, we actually have to use a mattress and we prop the mattress up on tubs.

There you go. There are our sneak peeks and our behind the scenes of what we do at Silk Home for beds. I hope you’ve learned something from that; I hope that there’s something that you can take and integrate into your home staging business and into all the different situations that it may be applicable.

I’ll be back next week. Make sure if you have any questions that you jump onto our Facebook page and we can help you out.

If you have really specific questions about your business, make sure you pop over to our memberships. Our Shine Membership has a closed Facebook forum where you can pretty much ask anything you want.

The members of the community and myself will be jumping in there to help. Jump on over and check them out. They’re all on the website.

I’ll see you guys again soon. See you.