Blog - Page 6 of 27 - HSR Home Staging Certification Training

6 Ways to Bring Fall into Your Home

I absolutely LOVE this time of year because it brings a season of reflection, gratefulness, togetherness and helps me to refocus on what's important for next year. Fall is also the perfect time of year to bring the outdoors in and make your house feel like home. In the past, I've told you about my unconventional Thanksgiving traditions but here are other ways I embrace the season.

Here are 6 hot tips for getting your "Fall On":-)

Bring Trending Fall Colors into Your Space...

In my Expert E-Designer training we added a new living space board that really embodies the colors of fall:

Inspired by the warmth and vibrant colors of Fall (as well as our Colors of the Year 2019), our newly launched E-Design board captures the ambiance of the season. Orange, brown and creamy colors are balanced in this living room space to create a warm and a welcoming atmosphere.

The super popular, Pottery Barn sofa and chairs provide a nice neutral place where the autumn pillows can make their statement (and you can swap them out easily from season to season). The canvas tree art and birch wood logs are a great way to invite the outdoors in and capture the feeling of fall throughout the space.

Take Time to Be Grateful and Focus on the "Good Stuff"

I get it, sometimes life has a way of beating us down. I can get hundreds of client compliments and then there's that one negative that can HAUNT me. How do I refocus? I think about all the good stuff in my business and life. I focus on simply...being grateful.

Sometimes this means I get off of social media and don't watch the news for a few days to re-calibrate. It's okay that I'm not instantly responding to Facebook requests.

To avoid burn-out and to really enjoy the changing of the season, I need to reflect on the positive.

Click to Tweet

Focus on what's working in my business rather than what's not
Focus on the things I like to do in my business and think about outsourcing the stuff I don't
Think about all the beautiful people in my life and send them good thoughts and prayers
Remember that my gifts are meant to be shared and being thankful for those gifts

November is the time to rethink what I'm doing in a positive way as I prepare for a holiday of Thanksgiving then Christmas.

Dial-In Your Dining Room Table

Since I don't have a lot of storage space in my home, I love the idea of taking my existing decor (that I love) and redecorating it for the season. HSR Grad Kellie Carroll of KMC Redesign Studio shared these photos of how she redecorated her table for the fall...I LOVE IT!

Make a Statement Piece

You can create a unique and beautiful succulent topped pumpkin arrangement in minutes (or buy one on Etsy for $75). With a pumpkin or gourd, a variety of small succulents, tacky glue and some moss, you can create this arrangement for your home for under $25. This beauty can be used through Thanksgiving and can be replanted in another container for the next season.

HSR Grad, Kristine Ginsberg of Elite Staging and Interiors shared this post on Instagram of her pumpkin centerpiece:

Get Cozy with Hygge Design

Hygge is a Danish and Norwegian word for a mood of coziness and comfortable conviviality with feelings of wellness and contentment. As a design style, think of sheep skin rugs, a warm throw blanket, pillar candles, a fire in the fireplace, hot tea and furry slippers. If those items don't make you feel like fall, I don't know what does!

In this staging transformation, my sister Corrine McKendrick of Pacific Home Design a Santa Cruz staging company is REALLY good at adding Hygge to the homes in the mountain region of Santa Cruz.

BEFORE Staging using Hygge

Layered rugs, sheepskin furs on chairs, knobby pillows, wood in a basket ready to furn and a cozy throw over the couch literally make me want to sink into this home!

Here are some of my favorite Amazon throws to complete your fall look:

Click to go to Amazon

Click to See on Amazon

Click to go to Amazon

Tap Into Your "First Sense"

Out of all of our 5 senses, the sense of smell gives us the most nostalgia. Create that nostalgia for your family this season by using fall candles. Fall has it's own intoxicating smells and scents of the season.

Just by lighting candles you can cozy up your home and fill it with smells like pumpkin pie, freshly picked apples, sage, nutmeg or other favorite seasonal scents. If you’re not a fan of scented candles but still want the ambience, battery operated timer candles are the way to go!

My favorite candles are at Anthropologie because they smell amazing and last forever.

Click for Anthropologie Source

I hope you enjoy your entire holiday season from Thanksgiving to New Year's and spoil yourself a bit.

For more on how I spend my Thanksgiving holiday, check out my Unconventional Thanksgiving post below...

I absolutely LOVE this time of year because it brings a season of reflection, gratefulness, togetherness and helps me to refocus on what’s important for next year. Fall is also the perfect time of year to bring the outdoors in and make your house feel like home. In the past, I’ve told you about my unconventional Thanksgiving traditions but here are other ways I embrace the season.

Color and Staging Trends 2019

Oh how I LOVE to talk color, design and staging trends, as well as how they relate to our staging industry in the form of AMAZING before-and-after photo transformations! Here's my take on the Colors of the Year 2019 for Behr and Sherwin Williams thus far and how you will see them in staging trends within homes over the next year. Let me know what you think about these color and design trends for 2019...

Let's start with the Behr 2019 Color of the Year 2019, Blue Print

Blueprint which is a stylish mid-tone blue described by Behr as being an honest and approachable color. Behr's in-house color expert, Erika Woelfel, believes Blueprint is universally appealing, as it's "warmer than denim and softer than navy." Blueprint is able to work so well with other colors that you can layer in a second or third color to your decorating.

I've long been saying the blue is almost like another neutral in that it's become VERY livable and likable.

In the staging realm, it's a very safe color to accent a home with...especially any coastal home to bring in the ocean views. My AMAZING STAGING sister, Corrine McKendrick uses it quite often in her Santa Cruz staging projects because so many of the homes she stages are ocean front...

After Staging by Pacific Home Design

This Behr blue is so univeral that even Donna Dazzo, uses this faded denim like blue in a luxury New York City staged apartment in both the art and rug...

How CRAZY is this before and after photo?!

Living Room Before...

After Staging by Designed to Appeal

Holly of Gray Staging and Design in Indianapolis accents with blue chairs and matching pillows in this after photo below...

Staged by Holly Meyers

Here's another doozy of a staging before-and-after by Gail Emlaw of Gail's Staging and Design in Cape Coral, FL...what a HUGE transformation!

Do you ever get tired of looking at before-and-after photos?

BEFORE STAGING

AFTER by Gail's Staging and Design LLC

All in all, I think Behr picked a VERY safe color that we can expect to see a lot of in the staging and design world. Since staging trends tend to follow the color trends and the paint companies are at the forefront of this, let's look at another newly announced Color of the Year...

Sherwin Williams Color of the Year 2019, Cavern Clay

Courtesy of Sherwin Williams

No, you are NOT going to see this color on very many walls of a home EXCEPT in maybe an office space.

You will see this color in accents of leather, wood tones, clay pottery, amber glass and pillows. Personally, I love the leather chairs Stephanie White used in this AMAZING living space before-and-after...

Living Space BEFORE

After Design by Stephanie White Interiors

The Sherwin Williams color choice was a bold one but they know the pulse of color trends which is trending towards muted colors...both the Behr and Sherwin Williams Colors of the Year fit that trend.

In fact, both of those color choices are complimentary in nature especially with similar muted tones...what do you think?

This 2019 Colors of the Year Mood Board was created in our E-Design Training account that all of our Expert E-Designers have access to use, share, blog and post on. If you're interested in learning how to create cool vision e-design boards for clients, then join me in this upcoming webinar...

You know you're on the right color trend track when you see it mass produced...

The Hearth and Hand with Magnolia collection at Target is making a big statement this season following these color trend combinations. I was SHOCKED to see very little color in their items EXCEPT for our Behr Blueprint and Sherwin Williams Cavern Clay:

Magnolia Home-Target

These small accessories in Blueprint and Cavern Clay tones make a big impact and will liven up any table setting. Pairing the natural rattan woven chargers with the blue glass plates and glasses brings out the contrast and just the right pop of color. Cavern Clay can undoubtedly turn heads with its eye-catching color through décor made of wood, ceramic, leather and rattan while Blueprint shows off it’s color best in fabric, glass, linen and paint. You can spruce up any kitchen or dining table by sprinkling in these colors for a lasting impression.

Magnolia Home Target

Two good color picks that go well together...it's almost like both paint companies coordinated their picks! It almost makes me expect to see the Pantone Color of the Year 2019 as a Mustard Yellow.

Oh how I LOVE to talk color and design trends, as well as how they relate to our staging industry in the form of AMAZING before-and-after photo transformations! Here’s my take on the Colors of the Year 2019 for Behr and Sherwin Williams thus far and how you will see them inside homes over the next year. Let me know what you think about these color and design trends for 2019…

Your Staging Training Questions Answered…

I believe in the "law of attraction" and tell my students that the more they "put themselves out there" the more likely they will attract their ideal clients. Not everyone will be your client because not everyone will connect with you.

This absolutely holds true for my business, so I thought I should "practice what I preach" and I created a bunch of quick videos to answer the common staging training questions I get.

I also did quick video on "My Story", why I started the Home Staging Resource and my philosophy on this industry....yes it's a bit "raw" and off the cuff but it's me:)

I went on to create a video for almost everyone one of my staging training frequently asked questions, so check them out...

Remember, people like to "see" who is it they are working with in business, so doing video FAQ's is a great way to connect with clients!

How are you different from other staging training companies out there?

There are a ton of reasons why HSR stands out as the best staging and redesign training company available and here are a few to consider as you shop around:

The HSR Certification training was the first and is the only US based Accredited Staging and Redesign training recognized by the Real Estate Staging Association.

Other programs don't provide a directory listing OR will charge for the directory listing, additional forms, recorded training, help or service SEPARATELY. We want a long-term relationship with our Members and we know that setting you up for success is how we create that relationship. We give you everything you'll need for this business at one low flat price. We would be doing a disservice to you otherwise.

Other programs will give you business forms/guides or website pages littered with their own brand and selling their own training programs. HSR gives you all the guides and forms in Word, so you can customize them to your OWN look and feel. HSR creates gorgeous websites that promote you...not us or our training! Again, we want YOU to look good.

Other programs have you attend a 3-day classroom or listen to teleconference training and then you're done. HSR creates long-lasting relationships and community with its members by providing ongoing training, tools and materials through our extensive Members Training Area. We are also available for our members at all times via email and telephone. We keep your business current and are actively interested in your success.

Buyers beware! If you feel the staging training website is shoddy and lacks professionalism, very likely their material will as well. If the training does nothing but promote the specific owner, very likely your materials will as well.

Don't take our word for it! If you're serious about this, feel free to contact any of our Members in our directory for their feedback, as well as read our many testimonials. HSR prides itself on having 100% happy and satisfied members. No other training provider will tell you to do that!

Do I have to have a design and decorating background?

Does the certification course really take 21 days? Do I have access after that period?

I have a business partner...do we both have to pay full payment to take the course?

I am a veteran home stager. What can HSR do for me?

About how many hours a day is the Certification Training?

Do you have any "hands-on training" options and how is it different?

What is the renewal fees after my year of membership is up?

If I pay in payment installments, do you limit my access?

Watch our Bonus Video Below

Could “ Home Staging" be a Career for You?

Don’t miss this..!!

7 Key Questions to Ask Yourself
What the Cost is to Starting this Business
Do You Have the Personality for This Industry?
How You Know If You Have the Design Talent?

Watch it Now »

I believe in the “law of attraction” and tell my students that the more they “put themselves out there” the more likely they will attract their ideal client. Here are several videos I created to “put myself out there” while answering some of your burning staging faqs.

Two Staging Success Stories with Photos…

These days I've got more Member Success Stories than I can count which is AWESOME! What makes this post a bit more unusual is that I'm sharing two husband and wife staging teams that have had enormous success (along with a lot of fun) along the way. Here's their stories and staging work...

Jody and Her Husband's Story...

Dave and Jody Conley (pictured above) took the HSR home staging certification training and launched their business, Conley Homes and Design staging Snohomish, WA county in March, 2017.

After only a year in business, this is what Jody had to say about her business...

Audra, we just hit our one year mark in business and I thought I would share with you our success...

Year one we staged 40 homes, representing $20M in real estate sales! 90% of our clients homes sold on average in 5 days, and one in as little as 6 hours. Many of our clients homes sold significantly over asking price, with the highest sold $90,000 over asking price.

https://www.conleyhomesanddesign.com/

I am so thankful I found your program, and continue to use it as a resource daily. I appreciate all the great information you share, and know it has made a difference in our success! Thank you!

https://www.conleyhomesanddesign.com/

Since Jody sent me that email, her team has grown!

https://www.facebook.com/conleyhomesanddesign/

Hiram and Lisa's Story...

Hiram and Lisa started their staging business, Dream Decor in Hawaii as a "side business" originally. I had the pleasure of getting to meet both of these beautiful people at the last RESA Convention and needless to say...their side business is EXPLODING:)!

Hiram and Lisa Robles of Dream Decor in Hawaii

Chatting with them at RESA, I was so fascinated by the fact that they have to tackle so many different styles of homes from high rise condos, to beach front bungalows to country estates.

Here's what Hiram had to say about their journey...

See, my wife and I have always had a great passion for decorating and a few years back when we had our house for sale, everyone kept asking “Who did your staging?” To everyone’s surprise, we just told them, “no one, this is just how we always keep it”. Pretty much every realtor that walked through the home suggested we should look going into staging, so we did. My background is in engineering and business, but I always had a passion for art and the staging business just comes natural to me.

https://www.dreamdecorhawaii.com/

The first 6 months were slow but Audra, with your HSR training and great marketing pointers... all of the sudden we began to get more and more business. Now, the past eight months have been crazy! The phone does not stop ringing and I am happy to say that I have now moved on to do this full time.

https://www.dreamdecorhawaii.com/

Although there are always challenges to running your own business, I couldn’t be happier and excited to be doing this. I just wanted to thank you for your great program and how it has impacted my life.

Teaming up with my wife is great as we complement each other as we go in this business together.

https://www.dreamdecorhawaii.com/

Audra, once again thank you very much for what you do.

Thank you Jody and Hiram for sharing your story and talent to encourage others! This is an amazing industry because of people like you.

If you're reading this and thinking about becoming a home stager and creating your story...then watch my free video about how to become a home stager below...

Could “ Home Staging" be a Career for You?

Don’t miss this..!!

7 Key Questions to Ask Yourself
What the Cost is to Starting this Business
Do You Have the Personality for This Industry?
How You Know If You Have the Design Talent?

Watch it Now »

Some More Recent Stories from Home Stagers...

Husband and wife home staging teams! A couple more HSR grad, member success stories with gorgeous photos to share and inspire you. How cute are these couples?

The Hot Tips I Learned at RESACON

I had more fun at the last RESA Convention than any other time! I also learned a thing or two and shared it in the quick Facebook Live video below...enjoy!

I kicked off the RESA Convention by treating all of my HSR and CCE Grads to a Happy Hour reception in a private party loft suite. Boy those ladies can drink their wine:-)!

Here's a fun video of that event...

Finally, I asked people to share some of their RESA Convention Lessons Learned and here they are:

Kelly Harbal

Have an accountability partner, focus on long term goals for your business and profit first

Learned inside tips on different e-design programs. Tips on how to use the platforms.

Theresa Ceglio

Know Thy Numbers! 2 ways to grow your profit is to grow your income or reduce your expenses, preferably do both!

Debbie Boggs - Are You Profitable

Jodi Copeland

I learned to become more visible, use 30-60 second videos on all platforms. And put my logo on a t-shirt and stage it in a master closet, place my logo on wine bottle labels, water bottles...

“Drive Awareness and Sales with Content Branding Videos” by Johnathan Miller and Shari Auldridge.

Susan Thompson

Lamps & lampshades are difficult to store & transport. Trying to match up the lampshades is even harder when the base is stored on a different shelf. One tip was to remove the shade, harp & finial from one lamp and only the shade from the matching lamp and store those two shades together, (hopefully they nest). Then when it comes time to find the matching lamps you will be able to locate the other lamp much easier.

Bringing the Mojo: Everyday Staging Hacks, Tricks and Tips

Cindy gasior

Guidance on how to increase my profit by analyzing my inventory investment, budgeting, setting aside a portion of my cash inflow for operating. I have a tendency to over reinvest my profits - these formulas will give me the structure I need for discipline and then larger profits. I also found very helpful the concept of adjusting my pricing according to my inventory supply and project demands. Of course - Vern Yip's reminders about design measurements and ratios in addition to his color trend forecast was wonderful

Profit first Ryan Marsh Vern Yip

Debbie Marchica

The financial responsibilities of having a business. I had attended a business class that was offered free of charge by the State of California": Equalization Board, a week before the convention. The presentation at RESA by David of Synergy Staging on the business portion was even better.

The Business of Staging

Karen Gray Plaisted

Carry a box of Crayola crayons in your tool bag to touch up nicks and scratches on frames etc. If you have old books that you have read but can use in your stagings spray paint them white with chalk paint, two coats will do! A video of 30 seconds to a minute of what you do will help drive traffic to you. Have a GoPro with you. If you spend money on video production use on various platforms. Edit and reuse make the most of the money you spent

From Bring on the Mojo presented by Carol Clark From Driving Awareness and Sales by Jonathan Miller and Shari Auldridge

Audra Slinkey

Indeed.com is a great place to post your job listing for free to attract and hire good assistants. It also pre-screens them by making them answer a series of canned questions.

Veteran 6+ Year Home Stager Interactive Group Session - Comment by Michelle Minch

For those of you who missed the RESA Convention and want to see a quick video of some of the hot tips I learned…here’s a Facebook Live video I created about that event.

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6 Ways to Bring Fall into Your Home

Here are 6 hot tips for getting your "Fall On":-)​

Bring Trending Fall Colors into Your Space...

Take Time to Be Grateful and Focus on the "Good Stuff"

Dial-In Your Dining Room Table

Make a Statement Piece

Get Cozy with Hygge Design

Layered rugs, sheepskin furs on chairs, knobby pillows, wood in a basket ready to furn and a cozy throw over the couch literally make me want to sink into this home!

Here are some of my favorite Amazon throws to complete your fall look:

Tap Into Your "First Sense"

My favorite candles are at Anthropologie because they smell amazing and last forever.

I hope you enjoy your entire holiday season from Thanksgiving to New Year's and spoil yourself a bit.

Color and Staging Trends 2019

Let's start with the Behr 2019 Color of the Year 2019, Blue Print

I've long been saying the blue is almost like another neutral in that it's become VERY livable and likable.​

How CRAZY is this before and after photo?!​

Do you ever get tired of looking at before-and-after photos?​

Sherwin Williams Color of the Year 2019, Cavern Clay​

No, you are NOT going to see this color on very many walls of a home EXCEPT in maybe an office space.

You will see this color in accents of leather, wood tones, clay pottery, amber glass and pillows. Personally, I love the leather chairs Stephanie White used in this AMAZING living space before-and-after...

In fact, both of those color choices are complimentary in nature especially with similar muted tones...what do you think?

You know you're on the right color trend track when you see it mass produced...

Your Staging Training Questions Answered…

How are you different from other staging training companies out there?

Do I have to have a design and decorating background?

Does the certification course really take 21 days? Do I have access after that period?

I have a business partner...do we both have to pay full payment to take the course?

I am a veteran home stager. What can HSR do for me?

About how many hours a day is the Certification Training?

Do you have any "hands-on training" options and how is it different?

What is the renewal fees after my year of membership is up?

If I pay in payment installments, do you limit my access?

Watch our Bonus Video Below

Could “ Home Staging" be a Career for You?

Don’t miss this..!!

Two Staging Success Stories with Photos…

Jody and Her Husband's Story...

After only a year in business, this is what Jody had to say about her business...​

​Year one we staged 40 homes, representing $20M in real estate sales! 90% of our clients homes sold on average in 5 days, and one in as little as 6 hours. Many of our clients homes sold significantly over asking price, with the highest sold $90,000 over asking price.

I am so thankful I found your program, and continue to use it as a resource daily. I appreciate all the great information you share, and know it has made a difference in our success! Thank you!

Hiram and Lisa's Story...

​Here's what Hiram had to say about their journey...

The first 6 months were slow but Audra, with your HSR training and great marketing pointers... all of the sudden we began to get more and more business. Now, the past eight months have been crazy! The phone does not stop ringing and I am happy to say that I have now moved on to do this full time.

Teaming up with my wife is great as we complement each other as we go in this business together.

Audra, once again thank you very much for what you do.

Thank you Jody and Hiram for sharing your story and talent to encourage others! This is an amazing industry because of people like you.

If you're reading this and thinking about becoming a home stager and creating your story...then watch my free video about how to become a home stager below...

Could “ Home Staging" be a Career for You?

Don’t miss this..!!

Some More Recent Stories from Home Stagers...

The Hot Tips I Learned at RESACON

I had more fun at the last RESA Convention than any other time! I also learned a thing or two and shared it in the quick Facebook Live video below...enjoy!

I kicked off the RESA Convention by treating all of my HSR and CCE Grads to a Happy Hour reception in a private party loft suite. Boy those ladies can drink their wine:-)!

Here's a fun video of that event...​

Finally, I asked people to share some of their RESA Convention Lessons Learned and here they are:

Here are 6 hot tips for getting your "Fall On":-)

I've long been saying the blue is almost like another neutral in that it's become VERY livable and likable.

How CRAZY is this before and after photo?!

Do you ever get tired of looking at before-and-after photos?

Sherwin Williams Color of the Year 2019, Cavern Clay

After only a year in business, this is what Jody had to say about her business...

Year one we staged 40 homes, representing $20M in real estate sales! 90% of our clients homes sold on average in 5 days, and one in as little as 6 hours. Many of our clients homes sold significantly over asking price, with the highest sold $90,000 over asking price.

Here's what Hiram had to say about their journey...

Here's a fun video of that event...