The One That Finally Stumps Me!

As I prepared to tackle this staging project, I had convinced myself that this was the one – the house that was going to stump me.  It lacked energy and I lacked inspiration.  It was a gigantic puzzle to me that I pondered for days trying to find a way, a hook, or an inspiration for the home staging.  It was just not happening.

I built a plan for how to stage the house still fighting the fear that this one was going to stump me.  I packed my stuff hoping that I would find some magic home staging fairy dust.  I kept coming up empty and uninspired.  Oh well, I can always go back to my CPA tax career!?!?

And, then it happened – the hook, the idea, the inspiration.  It came in an unlikely space – the sunroom.  As furnished by the seller, this room appeared to be an afterthought.  You can see what I mean in the accompanying “Before” photo.  Then, I had a vision of a seating area with a colorful rug, Pier One chair covers and pillows along with opening up the window shades to highlight the gorgeous statues and backyard.  See the “After” photo to experience the inspiration too.

Presto!!!  I had my inspiration and found my energy.  The puzzle fit together and the rest of my staging work blossomed from this inspiration.  The other rooms came to life as well as I built color and pizzazz into the master bedroom, bath, family room and kitchen.  Suddenly, this dull, uninspiring house was popping with life, energy and color.

Then, I envisioned myself living in this house (reading a great book in the sunroom and entertaining in the large family room).  It is a really good sign when the stager starts imagining living in that house.  It bodes well for the real buyers who will find the eye popping online photos and visit this wonderful house.

When I finally made it home, I did have to stop my husband who was researching CPA continuing education classes and updating my resume.  He had heard my concerns and took them seriously.  He was helping me ease out of my home staging adventure after I was finally stumped!?!?!?

I admit this one was a real challenge, but I am back and better than ever.  In a way, this challenge inspired me to find the possibilities and the inspiration in every house.  Now, I look forward to the feedback from my Realtor partner about how much the buyers loved this house and imagined its possibilities for their life adventure living in it.

Dwell in possibilities

Cindy

My Tax Accountant, My Home Stager

It was bound to happen one day – a former tax clients becoming one of my home staging clients.  As you may recall, I owned a CPA Tax practice before becoming a home stager (the unusual Right Brain-Left Brain switcheroo).  

I was both excited and cautious when a Realtor partner called to tell me that she was trying to convince my former tax client of the value of professional home staging.  I was excited about a new engagement as well as having the chance to work again with one of the most gracious and kind people.  I was cautious because I knew that he was a shrewd business man who would not give me the job simply because he liked me.  He would need to be convinced.  It was not an easy sale as we had a meeting and multiple conversations before I began. 

But convince him I did and he agreed to invest in home staging.  The even better news for me is that this staging project turned out even better than I imagined (and I imagine really special results)!!

This house had many wonderful features that I wanted to spotlight and enhance.  My goal was to help the prospective buyer visualize:

·         entertaining and relaxing in the warm and comfortable Family Room;

·         reading and working in the “clubby” Study;

·         eating Sunday brunch by the fireplace in the Kitchen; and

·         hosting an elegant dinner party for friends in the Dining Room.

You can see each of these incredible spaces in the accompanying pictures.  You can also visit our website to see remarkable “Before” and “After” photos of this Camden Court staging project (http://www.transitions-home-staging.com/Camden-Court.html )

I knew that I had succeeded when my double client (tax and home staging) stopped by and exclaimed “Wow, Cindy.  You did a great job!” -- Once again confirming what a kind and gracious man he is. 

The fun part of my tax practice was in spending time with my clients, learning about the life changes over the past year, discussing their plans and dreams and helping them help me complete their tax returns.  The fun part of home staging and interior design are the people and relationships that I develop with realtors and home sellers. 

Because I was able to renew an acquaintance and serve his family in a new and unique way, this engagement was full of wonderful possibilities and great personal joy. 

Dwell in possibilities

Cindy