The Thrifty Home Stager

Create Your Own Wall Art

2011-10-29T13:25:00.000-07:00

We recently staged a home in Washington, DC for one of our investors. We staged the entire house and then we realized we almost forgot to stage the half bath on the main level! We ran out of art and Zehra and I had to think on our feet to figure out what to place on the wall in the bathroom. At first we thought to leave it blank but it just didn't look right so we came up with a great idea! I thought about putting one of the wicker baskets on the wall and Zehra took it one step further and it came out fabulous and looked amazing! Great team work and it was thrifty art! The basket we got at Dollar General for $3 and the flowers came from a flower stem I bougth at a thrift store bor .25 cents. Check out how we created instant wall art by thinking out of the box and using what we had!

Word Wall Art

2011-05-08T15:53:00.000-07:00

We recently staged an investment property in Capitol Heights, MD. The investor purchased our scene staging services to add warmth, color and an inviting feel to this cute home. One of the rooms we staged was the living room and we decided to do something different for wall art. We decided to use word wall art, yes you heard right word wall art. We found this great decal saying at Family Dollar for only $3.00. It added the perfect final touch to this living room scene. We loved it and we hope the buyers will too! These decals are easy to put on and take off and look fabulous. Thrifty Staging Everyone!

Springtime Fun

2011-05-04T16:55:00.000-07:00

We love staging both inside and out. I thought I would share one of our outside staging scenes that we created in one of our home staging projects at an occupied home in Fairfax Station, VA. We simply added a pop of color to an otherwise dull outdoor table. We bought all of these items at Family Dollar but it created a nice punch of color and whimsy. The seller and realtor thought it was clever and it really brightened up the deck. Total cost for this scene $10.00 Thrifty Staging Everyone!

Affordable & Elegant

2011-02-20T17:05:00.000-08:00

Affordable and elegant - it isn't often you see these two words together. However, if you keep things simple you can accomplish that easily. We staged a loft condo in Washington, DC and we wanted to create a spa feel in the bathroom. However you don't have to make it complicated or expensive. Below we created a simple scene with a footed basket we bought for $3, the lotion and shower gel cost $2 total and we added 2 different color wash closths. Behind we added a simple vase from Ikea that cost .79 cents and added some leave floral picks. Voila an instant spa feel. Again you can create affordable elegance you just have to know how! Happy Staging Everyone.

Staging Kitchen Scenes

2011-02-05T05:04:00.000-08:00

I love creating scenes when staging and one of my favorite places to create scenes is in the kitchen. I usually try to create some sort of food prep scene to add interest and a sense of real living. In order to do that you sometimes need to add fruits and vegetables but you can't really add real ones as they may rot during the course of time the home is sitting on the market. So what do I use? I use faux fruit and vegetables that really add a pop of color and interest and look terrific in my staging scenes. I buy these faux fruit and vegetables at the thrift store. I find them in plastic bags hanging on racks for $1.90 to $2.90 a bag and they ususally contain anywhere from 6 to 8 fruits or vegetables. If you went to department store you may be paying that for one! so this is a steal and they look great. Here are some examples of staging with faux fruit and vegetables in kitchens. Enjoy!

We would love to create scenes like this in your kitchen if you are selling your home. We provide professional and affordable home staging and redesign services to clients in Northern VA, Washington, DC and parts of MD. Call us on 703-269-8330 for a free estimate or visit us on the web @ http://www.thestagingfashionista.com/ for more information. We look forward to serving you!

Create A Beautiful Bedroom for under $100

2011-01-23T14:27:00.000-08:00

We created a beautiful bedroom for under $100 for our staging project in Washington, DC. We staged the other rooms with furniture but the investor wanted us to also stage the second bedroom but there was no room for furniture in the budget so we created a bedroom for under $100. Here is how we did it. We used an Aero bed that we had in our inventory as the bed. We then bought a comforter/w shams that was on sale for $15, a queen size sheet set for $15, a side table for $12, a lamp for $10 and a rug for $10. We added 3 throw pillows that we purchased at the thrift store for $2.90 each, and we bought 2 bed pillows and they cost only $6 total. Finally we bought a mirrored starburst to go over the bed for $10. So you might be wondering what does this bedroom look like. Well see for yourself and you be the judge. For under $100 we staged a bedroom that looks chique and modern and FABULOUS! Thirfty Staging Everyone!

Coordinating all the colors is what made all of these finds work and it created a very modern and inviting bedroom. If you live in Northern VA, DC or MD and want us to stage your home please give us a call on 703-269-8330 or visit our website @ http://www.thestagingfashionista.com/ so that we can help you get your home from for sale to sold in half the time.

Driving With Style in Virgina

2011-01-15T09:10:00.000-08:00

I'm driving with style in Virginia. As a small business I don't have the luxury of hiring movers, trucks or a large crew. So what do I do? I drive with style! Let me explain, I basically load up my Toyota Highlander with all my staging supplies. That thing gets loaded to the gills. Thank goodness for my packer, my hubby, who knows how to fill every nook and crannie in that Highlander and we always get everthing in. My motto if it doesn't fit then we will have to do without. So that means choosing my items wisely and then packing them all up in a way that will work.

So what is the point of this post? The point is that just because you are not a big staging company that doesn't have movers and packers and trucks you can still make it work for you. Don't let things like this discourage you from not getting out there and staging homes. If you dont have an SUV you can easily rent a truck or van for a day very inexpensively from U-Haul and then make that part of your staging costs - however for me this works great and my hubby knows how to pack an SUV. See for yourself! Happy Staging everyone and drive with style I will be!

Home Staging Scenes that Tell a Story

2011-01-09T15:33:00.000-08:00

As an APSD Property Scene designer we are taught to stage homes in scenes. However, they just can't be scenes that you just throw together but they have to mean something and catch a buyers attention, cause them to smile or trigger a memory or an emotion. So when we create scenes they tell a story. We created this scene in a kitchen. The best part about this scene is that it was inexpensive to put together but still instills a feeling of a summer barbecue. We also had a big barbecue apron hanging on the wall to create the overall effect. Creating scenes that tell a story is part of my APSD training but it doesn't have to be complicated or expensive. Enjoy!

A Barbecue Scene

Don't Knock the Dollar Store!

2011-01-07T17:59:00.000-08:00

Don't knock the dollar store! I find some great finds in the dollar store for my home staging scenes. Here is one I found for yes just $1.00. I added this magnet board to the window in a room where I created a scene in front of it on the floor. It was effective, brought attention and made people smile. An effective marketing prop for $1.00 who woulda thought?

This $1 sign made the home memorable!

No Home Staging Warehouse? Create One!

2011-01-04T17:39:00.000-08:00

I created this staging room in my house.

No home staging warehouse? Create one! That's exactly what I did. When you first start your home staging business buying accessories will eventually become a must. But where do you put it after you buy it? You have to have somewhere to store it. So what if you don't want to pay monthly storage fees? Then you do what I did if you have a room in your home or basement. I created my storage unit in one of my unused bedrooms. I bought some plastic shelves from K-Mart when they went on sale for $22 each that had 5 shelves on them. My hubby and I set them up all around the walls of the room and then filled them up with my staging accessories. I realize that I may eventually outgrow this room but for now it is perfect and everything fits in its place. Above is a pic of me in my storage room it is a bit empty as it was taken during a time I had 6 houses staged on the market. This was a great solution for me as it kept down on storage rental costs and it provides me a great place to store my items for no money and easy access!

A Dreamy Bedroom Staged!

2011-01-04T12:56:00.000-08:00

Sometimes I get short notice to stage a home and when I do I go right to my favorite thrift store to look for some great items. I was doing a home staging in a condo in Alexandria, VA and I found some fabulous linens at the thrift store that appeared to be unused. I was so excited when I found this fabulous Tommy Hillfiger comforter for only $14.90! As I continued to look around I found the great pillows as well and they matched perfectly costing a mere $2.90 each. I then fell upon the great bed skirt that was only $4.90. The throw I already had. So I was able to put this lovely bed together for a very affordable price and it looked fantastic. This home sold in under 30 days sight unseen by the seller. The pictures on the internet is all it took! So check around your local thirft store or consignment shops and see what treasures you can find. If you are just starting your home staging business or are looking for some unique pieces you can't go wrong at your local thrift or consignment shop. Thrifty Staging Everyone!

Home Stager Alexandria VA

2010-11-08T18:21:00.000-08:00

Home Staging or Decorating a Fall Table Scape

2010-10-19T17:53:00.000-07:00

So you want to stage or decorate a Fall table scape but don't want to spend alot of money. Well thrift stores have great Fall items that you can find and then add to your home staging or home decor. We created this great Fall table setting with thrift store finds. Everything on the table is from a thrift store with the exception of the wonderful Glass lantern which was a gift from a dear friend. However, everything else we found at the thrift store and used for our Fall table scape. This was a home we staged in Alexandria, VA. As I say another man's trash is truly a home stager's treasure. Check out this great table display!

Placemats for Wall Art???

2010-10-10T15:51:00.000-07:00

Placemats for wall art you may ask? Absolutely! I know you have seen those cute placemats that are shaped like fish, butterflies or other critters. Well you can use them as art in kids rooms! This is so much more thrifty then buying pieces of art or even posters. All you have to do is use double-sided tape or some of that tacky putty press it on the back of the placemat and Voila you have instant wall art. See how I used these placemats as wall art in one of my home staging projects in Vienna, VA.

Origami Towel Folding

2010-10-09T19:11:00.000-07:00

Bear On A Blanket

2010-09-05T07:55:00.000-07:00

Wow - have I been busy these past few months. That's a good thing though but it got me behind in my blogging! So here goes. I've staged several houses these past few months which means "LOTS OF SHOPPING" . So to keep costs down you know that I go to thrift stores. I got some great deals and I've staged many rooms with thrift store finds and noone knows the difference. So here is a room I staged with ONLY thrift store finds. The total cost of accessories for the below room was $10.00!!! Seriously I don't make this stuff up. The Thrift Store in our area has 1/2 off on Sundays so guess where I am? You guessed it I'm there! Isn't this just the sweetest scene for a kids room? I think it looks great & I'm happy to say the home has sold! Thrifty Staging Everyone! Stay tuned for more thrifty pics!

A Picture Speaks a Bargain!

2010-06-01T17:21:00.000-07:00

I haven't posted in a while because I've been busy with so many projects. I'm hoping to have a big announcement in the Fall if all goes as planned, but for now I wanted to share my picture bargains.

As a home stager I am constantly shopping for accessories and other items to use in staging projects. I found these two great canvas pictures which are about 24" X 36" in size. If you have looked in regular stores you know these cost a pretty penny but I found these Sunflower Canvas pieces at the thrift store for $20 a piece. These are beautiful and large and colorful and just the pop of color you need when staging with neutral pieces. I love finding bargains! Happy Thrifty Staging Everyone!

Staging a Media Room the Thrifty Way

2010-04-04T17:15:00.001-07:00

Free photo slideshow generated with Smilebox

Using What You Have to Stage A Home

2010-02-28T16:30:00.000-08:00

I have found that I have lots of things that I already have around my house to help with staging props. For example, using old newspapers or travel books I picked up from our travels abroad are perfect scene setting items that I can use in any staging project. Also using household items like tea bags adds some interest and makes a scene come to life. So think thrifty - reuse items you already have in a different way. Sometimes it is hard to imagine using ordinary items in a certain way but if you just use a little imagination I'm sure you can find things to use without purchasing new ones. Here are two scenes that I created when staging from items that I had in my home! I love being thrifty and green at the same time. Thrifty Staging Everyone!

No Bed??? Make One!

2010-02-01T08:26:00.000-08:00

No bed? Then make one! I had to share this thifty and unique tip for making a bed. Karen Otto owner of Home Star Staging in Texas provided this thrifty way of creating a bed for a home staging project she did on EnergizedSeller. So if you are staging a home and you need a bed but the seller doesn't have the money for rental furniture then you can use this easy solution. Here is the recipe for making a twin size bed (add addtional boxes to make a queen size bed):

6 file size cardboard boxes

2 twin size inflatable mattresses

1 twin size comforter set

pillows

Put the boxes together and line up 2 - 2 - 2 from top to bottom of bed (this will be your "frame")
Blow up one of the inflatables and place on the "frame"
Put bedskirt on first mattress now your "boxspring"
Blow up second mattress place on skirted "boxspring"
Make bed as usual

Now you have your bed. Make sure you put a sign on the bed "For Display Only"

Thrifty Staging Everyone!

Cheap Home Staging Tip Using Origami Towels

2010-01-24T14:45:00.000-08:00

It's been a while since I blogged but I have been busy with staging homes and creating origami towel folding projects. What is origami towel folding you may ask? Well, origami is the japanese art of folding paper. Origami towel folding is the same idea but you fold bath towels instead of paper. This is a very affordable and fun way to display towels, add interest and add a unique touch to a home staging project. I've created several which you can check out on my website @ http://www.thestagingfashionista.com/ but I am going to share two of my creations that I used in actual home staging projects. One was a snail in a 1/2 bath and the second was a shirt in a laundry room setting. Again this is an easy and thrifty way to create "art" with towels that you can display in bathrooms, laundry rooms, closets or baby rooms. You may even think of a few places yourself. Enjoy and thrifty staging!

This was a 1/2 bath and the towel snail adds something unique to this small room.

This towel shirt added something extra to this otherwise boring laundry room. The homeowner loved it!

On the Go Finds!

2009-12-16T18:15:00.000-08:00

It's been a very hectic week trying to prepare for the holidays, working and trying to complete online marketing assignments (I take online courses). As I was shopping for groceries for my big holiday party this weekend, I of course had to stop quickly into the local thrift store to see what they had. I did find some great finds to add to my home staging collection. I got all of these items for $5.00. I was so excited. Sometimes you just have one of those days where you are on the go and pass through a thrift store and still find something special. I love being thrifty!

Tips for Staging a Home During the Holidays

2009-12-11T16:06:00.000-08:00

If you are selling a home during the holidays make sure that you keep your decorations to a minimal. Staging with all your thrift store finds is great when living in a home but it isn't going to get you the sale if your trying to sell your home. You want potential buyers to look at your home and space not your thrift store snowmen collection. Do you want buyers to remember your decorations or your beautiful fireplace and hardwood floors? Remember when decorating keep it simple and don't overdo just a few touches here and there does the trick and will result in a quicker sale.

Thrift Store Mantel

2009-12-10T19:50:00.000-08:00

I love decorating for Christmas and also with seasonal themes. I found some great Christmas items at my local thrift store to decorate a mantel. I think you have to keep your decorating simple and not overdo. The same is true for home staging and keeping things simple but elegant always attracts attention. Check out my "thrift store mantel" as I call it. I got all the items that you see from my local thrift store except for the stocking holders which I got at a discount store. I created the arrangement but used thrift store greenery and poinsetta flowers.

Using Thrift Store Finds For Home Staging

2009-12-10T17:25:00.000-08:00

I had to share some of the great deals I got by shopping at thrift stores. As a home stager supplying your inventory with accessories, furnishings, linens, lamps, etc. can get costly. However, to keep my costs down but still have quality items I shop for things in local thrift stores. I have found some great deals and some beautiful pieces to use in my home staging business.

Not only is this way of shopping being thrifty, but shopping at local thrift stores like the Salvation Army, Goodwill and ACTS, is also a way to help others. Purchases from thrift stores help people in need and help people to get trained so they can get jobs to help support their families.
Finally shopping at thrift stores is being green, and isn't everyone trying to find ways to help our environment? By re purposing used items you keep them out of landfills and give used items a new home. I am always amazed at the things I find at local thrift stores. I have staged some beautiful homes with my finds and people are always asking me where did you get that? Can you believe that all of the items you see cost me a total of $12.00??!!! Seriously!!! Gotta love those bargains!

So next time you pass by a thrift store - check it out! You never know what kinds of treasures you may find. I still can't believe I got all of these items for 12 bucks.