Interior Design – Staging 101
Many of us think staging is just used when a property is going on the market. But in reality, staging is used every day.
When we just move in, remodel or just want to freshen things up we plan our placement of furniture, rugs, accessories, draperies, etc. Most times things just don’t happen.
But did you know there is a difference in staging? For instance, when we stage a property to sell, most of the time our possessions are packed away to allow the potential buyer the ability to visualize themselves living there. Most of the personal items such a pictures, family heirlooms, collectibles, etc. are removed for an uncluttered look in the home. Almost sterile at times and might be a bit difficult for daily living. I never believed in packing everything away. I would want the potential buyer to feel at home when walking through. My suggestion has always been to just edit; pair down things and keep the best of the best out.
Secondly, we stage for everyday living. It’s when we display our collections, family pictures and those rare finds we love so much. It’s the layer that tells people who we are. There is a way I’ve always designed with regarding this type of staging or displaying. I never put an entire collection out unless its just a few pieces. I like to rotate things, which for me makes them new again. I don’t want to live in a museum; I want to enjoy my space.
Lastly, we stage for photographs. Look in a shelter magazine or a design book. See the detail and deliberation with which all things are placed. At times it may look over done or even cluttered. That’s because the camera picks up all the negative space as well as capturing the subject matter. You’ll notice furniture seems too close together, too many books on the coffee table or a hundred pillows on a sofa. The picture needs to capture your attention and engage you. It needs to draw you into space. So remember to design and stage for the camera and not the homeowner.
Enjoy!