|
 
April 2009
Index of all
past
Affiliate Corner columns
Diversity in home staging
By Hilda Vermillion
Rocky Mountain Redesign
Staging homes is much more than furniture placement. A staged home welcomes any and all to experience a better life in a new house.
In Aurora, staging must appeal to a vast and growing ethnic demographic in order to be truly effective. In August 2008, CNN ranked Aurora as one of America’s most diverse cities. With 100 being the national average, Aurora scored 156 for racial diversity. Aurora not only has a thriving Hispanic community, but is also home to a large population of Russian, Polish, and Asian families.
Accessories can be appealing
Honoring different cultures, ages, lifestyles, and even animal lovers is a great way to make staging more effective. Large items such as furniture, bedding, and major pieces of art should be fairly neutral, but accessories are a great way to appeal to all. Here are some easy ways to make everyone feel at home.
Cookbooks: One of the simplest ways to honor a culture is to honor their cuisine. Large, colorful cookbooks look beautiful and add flavor to staging.
Cherry blossoms: Chinese people often incorporate cherry blossoms into their New Year celebration. The legend goes that if the cherry blossom blooms then you have good luck for a year. Faux cherry blossoms are always in bloom and always beautiful, not to mention easy to incorporate into any décor.
To Russia with love: Many people think of Vodka when thinking of Russia, but in 1638 the tradition of the tea ceremony was born. Many Russian families enjoy relaxing with an afternoon tea. Beautiful tea sets and accompanying teas and cookies are easy to find in Aurora and ideal for Butler’s pantry or kitchen staging.
Polish pottery: Called Boleslawiec, this unique style of pottery is stunning. Bowls are the most versatile because they can be visually altered simply by changing what they are holding. My favorite display combines the blue Boleslawiec bowl with sunny faux lemons.
Carved boxes: The Carpathian Mountains of the Western Ukraine are home to exquisite craftsmen. They are quite famous for carved wooden boxes which are very versatile and neutral, but intricate to the touch.
Don’t forget the kids: Most homes need items which will engage entire families. The longer potential buyers stay in a home, the more comfortable they feel. The more comfortable they feel, the more likely they are to purchase the property. Make sure the home has kid-friendly areas to keep children happy and occupied so that parents do not feel rushed to leave. Coloring books and cool toys are ideal. My favorite staging props are K’Nex roller coasters. These never fail to delight the little ones and keep them busy.
Remember Fido and Kitty. Coloradoans love their animals! Mud rooms, laundry rooms and garages are perfect areas to place attractive food and water dishes.
Celebrate the cultural kaleidoscope which is Colorado every day and in every home. Staging a house with a few simple items that reflect Aurora’s diverse population could help potential buyers feel right
at home.
|
