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Athens, TN

A day at the Spa...

02-06-10
Lori Donegan
Lori Donegan: Home Stager in Athens, TN

Ready 2 Stage Home Staging & Redesign recently was asked for our ideas for a renovation project. Dynasty Spas in Athens, Tennessee was needing a fresh new look for their customer lobby/lounge area and some bathrooms. We were more than happy to oblige. We created our very first sample board for them.

After a few months, most of the renovations are complete. Some of our suggestions were taken and some were not. The owner, having great taste and design skills of his own, used our insight and suggestions combined with his preferences to make it what he wanted. We are pleased with the outcome of this project and would like to share the photos with you.

Before After

Originally the lobby was to have hardwood flooring installed. It was later decided that tile would be most durable and practical in this high traffic area. (Still looking for just the right area rugs for the space.)

Before After

This area was for casual meetings etc. so some comfy seating was in order.

Their current sign with water feature was to be made into more of a focal point in the space. We suggested using wood and stone to frame the feature and make it more prominent.

Before After

Here is a shot of the finished focal wall.

After

Do you need a fresh new look in your office or waiting area? Call Ready 2 Stage Home Staging & Redesign. We can help you with fresh ideas and project management. From start to finish we will see your project through.

Putting some make-up on a Natural Beauty

01-11-10
Lori Donegan
Lori Donegan: Home Stager in Athens, TN

We recently staged a beautiful Executive Home that was going on the market in Cleveland, Tennessee. At first glance the bones of this house are naturally beautiful, but there were a few obstacles that kept it's true beauty from shining through. As all homeowners know, it is extremely easy to accumulate lots of clutter over the years. Little things stuck here and objects place there.....after a while you don't really see your home objectively. That's where it's helpful to have "fresh eyes" to evaluate the situation. This home seller was so used to seeing things where they were, that she could not see things as they should be. Here are a few of the changes that we made:

In the kitchen:

Kitchen Before Kitchen After

Before: There is too much clutter on the countertop; and the book nook is crammed full of books. With some packing away and artful arrangement this kitchen looks fresh and new.

Keeping Room Before Keeping Room After

Before: There are too many distractions behind the little sofa, and they were blocking a beautiful view of the lake outside. (Just wish I had remembered to remove the trash can for the after photo! Uggh!)

Dining Room Before Dining Room After

Before: The dining room was painted a taste-specific lavender. Perfect for the owner to live-in, but maybe not perfect to attract a buyer. The color was changed to a beautiful neutral that anyone would love.

Guest Room Before Guest Room After

Before: The guest room is another example of being too taste specific. Although the lavender walls and yellow comforter would be perfect for a sweet young princess--a prince might not be quite so amused with it. The change is significant--leave NO WORK for your potential buyers.

Living Room Before Living Room After

Before: The living room was one of the "first impression" rooms and needed some ingenious furniture placement. The first thing you saw upon entering was the a cluttered curio cabinet and the side of a leather chair. There were also 2 heavy furniture pieces blocking the windows. The sofa was a little small for such a grand room. We suggested that they switch the larger sectional from the downstairs family room and the rug along with it. Much richer colors and better proportions for the tall ceiling and windows.

This home is a jewel, but some minor flaws were hiding it's brilliance.

--Home Staging can unveil your diamond in the rough--your FOR SALE HOME--into the hot commodity that it deserves to be!--

**After photography by Debbi Gerdt**

AFTERS of an Office Redesign

01-07-10
Lori Donegan
Lori Donegan: Home Stager in Athens, TN

Here are the After shots of our latest office Redesign. We used the Realtors "Magnolia" theme to create an office that is calm and relaxing--perfect for a lady who's a sweet Southern Belle. The existing office furnishings were not quite fitting into our color palette, but sometimes you just have to make do with what you have.

The little alcove behind the desk just screamed table, mirror and lamp to me, so that's just what we did. We also added a floating shelf to anchor the artwork. Not sure if the candles will ever be lit in an office setting, but they look pretty.

The words over the window provide calming inspiration and were so easy to apply. Those were a first for me, but I am sure to work with them again. The valance was kind of a last minute added detail. Wasn't quite sure if it was appropriate for an office, but I think the softening effect that it had on the large window was a good move.

Sprucing up your office can entice you to be more productive, because you like to spend more time in your beautiful relaxing space. Consider making some changes in your work space today!

To see all of the befores click HERE


BEFORE AFTER

AfterBeforeBeforeAfterAfter

Needing an office redesign?

01-05-10
Lori Donegan
Lori Donegan: Home Stager in Athens, TN

A New Year deserves a New Look! Does your office space need to be perked up? Don't you just work better when the space around you is well lit and inviting?

Ready 2 Stage Home Staging & Redesign is currently completing an office redesign for a valued customer. A Realtor who is a former home staging client has asked us to give her new office space some life and comfort.

Ms. Phyllis Robinson of Crye-Leike Realty in Athens, Tennessee has been such a joy to work with. She totally trusts our judgment and tells us to "just fix it up!" She had a few things to work with, and we constructed our plan around them. We hope she likes the results. Here are a few BEFORE pictures of the space. We will finish up today and the AFTER pics will be in the next post.

Office Redesign Before

Office Redesign Before

Office Redesign BeforeOffice Redesign Before

It's a little bland isn't it? Not an inspiring place to do your work or bring your clients. Stay tuned to see the finished product!

Ready 2 Stage is the Big "1"

01-05-10
Lori Donegan
Lori Donegan: Home Stager in Athens, TN


Happy New Year to you and happy One Year Anniversary for Ready 2 Stage Home Staging & Redesign! Can you believe it is 2010? What a whirlwind year.

We are very appreciative for all of you that have supported us this year and we look forward to serving you in the future. We have sculpted our business to fit the needs of you - our customers. When we first began, it was difficult knowing how the public would respond to home staging and redesign. We feel that with a year under our belts, we are now better equipped to serve you and meet your needs.

The increase in interest in home staging in the Tennessee area is rising. Did you know that un-staged homes stay on the market an average of 182 days, while STAGED homes sell within 37 days? Staging a home prior to listing can yield a 586% return on investment. That means with an average home staging cost of $300-$400, you can receive $1500-$2000 extra on the sales price. What a difference staging can make!

Since it is still relatively new in this area, we would like to offer a 20% discount on a basic consultation during the month of January. A consultation takes about one hour, and gives the home seller a better understanding of what should be done to prepare the home for the market. You will Staging is a Great Valuereceive valuable information that could save you thousands in the future. Give it a try!

Here’s an overview of 2009:

1. Cindy St. Athens -
http://www.realestateshows.com/370453


2. Meadowcrest Commons -
http://www.realestateshows.com/422348


3. 1831 Timber Trail Cleveland -
http://www.realestateshows.com/423623


4. Newman’s Woodlands Estates -
http://www.realestateshows.com/flyer.php?id=429012


5. Fairlane Drive Sweetwater -
http://www.realestateshows.com/flyer.php?id=448057


6. Holly Brook Circle Cleveland -
http://www.realestateshows.com/448512


7. Ridgetop Drive Cleveland -
http://www.realestateshows.com/450948


8. Highland Avenue Cleveland -
http://www.realestateshows.com/flyer.php?id=456150


9. Tips for De-Cluttering -
http://www.realestateshows.com/366593


Please take time to check out our website to learn more about Ready 2 Stage: www.ready2stage.com


Realtors: you can make larger profits in 2010 by incorporating Home Staging into your listing package. Call to find out how!

We welcome your questions, and you will be surprised at how affordable Home Staging can be!

Looking forward to a great 2010--to God be the Glory!


Sincerely,
Lori Donegan
Ready 2 Stage Home Staging & Redesign
www.ready2stage.com
(423)506-3718
ready2stage@gmail.com