“The Big Bang Theory!
By Debbie Brady Robinson
We’re all tightening our belts, poised for the saving graces promised by the next administration! Americans have either been to the polls, or will do so very shortly, depending on today’s date. Collectively trembling at the knees a wee bit more than we would prefer to admit, the majority of the American people are in a wait and see mode. What, pray tell, is the next four years going to bring us?
History repeats itself in many ways. Bank failures, Wall Street woes, and unstable global markets force introspection. Spawned by every down turn, vast changes are reflected in society. The resiliency of the American people becomes apparent; free enterprise spurs creativity. New industries blossom- alternative fuel sources, hybrid cars, and going green, to name a few. Properties stand vacant with For Sale signs speckling every neighborhood! Houses aren’t selling, and everyone needs an EDGE! It’s odd how things evolve; whole new industries spring up. The old adage “necessity is the mother of invention” was never more of a truism than today!
A few years ago, well before the current serious economic turn of events, yours truly (artist/writer) began performing quasi decorating/artistic arrangement services for local clients. This service involves going into a “For Sale” property, assessing what might be coined “Awe Appeal" (combination of curb appeal and interior pizzazz!), and formulating a ‘color palette’ makeover plan to give the client the most bang for his buck! This modern day ‘Big Bang Theory’ is typically achieved by #1, the effective utilization of the client’s existing furnishings (old stuff!); and #2, the addition of a minimum number of additional accents (new stuff!). Solely in an effort to set the stage for that all important WOW Factor!
Little did I realize that my career was already beginning to evolve as a natural sign of the times. Yours truly had unknowingly become engaged in the business of ‘Home Staging’! Until very recently, the term ‘Staging’ might have been mistaken for a term used only in the Theater. The Wikipedia defines ‘Home Staging’, as “the act of preparing a private residence prior to going up for sale in the real estate marketplace... Staging focuses on improving a property to make it appeal to the largest number of buyers by transforming it into a welcoming, appealing, and attractive product for sale”. The process of which, used to be achieved by ‘Artistic flair’, absent the title of interior decorator or designer!
Realizing that I had already been engaged in the profession of "Staging" for quite some time, I decided that I might as well go ahead and become certified – now that I was aware that there was indeed such a term! Ah, credentials… "Staging", one more line item on the old resume’! Artist, Artistic Flair, an eye for design… you’ve probably either got it, or you don’t! For instance, do not, under any circumstance, ask me to be a nurse – I faint at the mere mention of blood! Color, in any other form, now that’s a horse of a different … o.k., pardon the pun! So, if a certificate gives a little more comfort and confidence to a client, then so be it, “Certified Stager’ it is!
The wonderful thing about ‘Artistic Flair’, oops – I mean, “Staging” (regardless of the term) is that it’s great fun; and one gets to use all of the eggs in her artistic basket! My staff will be the first to attest that I, for one, constantly say; “if all I had to do was paint, be out front serving customers, and do displays (merchandising), I would be thrilled!” Staging allows me to incorporate all of the aspects of my job that I most enjoy; and it’s usually quite fast - I’m generally in and out within a matter of days!
Recently, I swapped out furnishings between all the rooms in a house, changed the color of a few existing accent pieces, through up a quick mural on an existing wall for a splash of color, painted a couple of pieces of old furniture, and tied everything together within three days! The total client out of pocket expense for the “new” objects purchased (fee withstanding of course) was less than $100! Now, don’t forget to read the fine print.. Not all cases are the same, prices may vary, can’t guarantee identical results… just kidding - the whole process of ‘Staging’ is really pretty painless! Viva La Artistic Flair!
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