Why Would a Decorator Hire A Stager?

Architectural design is a key part of any property for sale. Just as people choose clothing, hair styles and makeup to accentuate their best features, good stagers select and arrange items to accentuate the special features of each property they work on.  Attention might be drawn to the quality, detail, beauty, size, view, or functionality of a design, to name a few. This purpose differs from decorating, which may draw attention instead to the personal belongings or lifestyle of the owner. For this reason, even a nicely decorated home may benefit from the focused involvement of a stager when it is offered for sale.

The placement of this furniture deliberately draws attention to the window, an architectural feature of this room. Notice that plants chosen draw the eye to, but do not block the view of, the window.

The flowers are placed to draw the eye through the lovely archway into to kitchen,  but not to detract attention from the renovated cabinets, backsplash, sink, and lighting.

Natural Colour Palettes

Inspiration surrounds us in nature. People respond instinctively to the array of colours we see outside. For example, fall leaves have many popular shades used in homes: greys, light browns and tans, soft greens with bluish shades, muted reds, and bolder ones with violet as well. The proportions in nature also give clues about design, with bold colours adding highlights, different shapes for variety, small areas of black and white for contrast, and a unique item (speckled leaf) for a focal point. When choosing a paint colour, consider where it is found in nature, the proportions of it you normally see, and other colours typically found with it.

If Plants Could Talk...

Before

After

...They might tell what goes on in the room! But this one would probably just say "Dust me." It's easy to overlook plants we see everyday as they gradually grow. And while they clean the air, like anything else they also accumulate dust. A spritz of water and soft cloth is all that's needed to gently clean the leaves, and the shine will be extra noticeable if the leaves are large.

Should I Stage With My Unusual Plant?

Plants add a touch of nature to a room and blend with almost anything. Whether an "unusual" plant is a good choice may depend on why it stands out. Is it a unique color, an unusual shape? Or has it just overgrown and become large or spindly? Does it fit in the room - scale-wise and also with the decor? The plant is not the selling feature, so make sure it doesn't detract from the room and adds an interesting highlight.