Going Green. Eco Friendly. Ozone Layer. Hybrid Cars. The world is crying out for ecologically smarter tecchnology and conservation efforts in order to preserve our planet. How can Stagers also follow suit? It seems that our company is blessed to be leading the way in yet another market segment - the ecologically friendly Staging job.
Recently, one of our team members, Michelle Beste, got a call from a builder in her area who had a special project. This eco-friendly builder had a modular home they were putting together as a model home - and wanted the Staging to reflect the major uniqueness of the house - it was eco-friendly.
What exactly does that mean? Smarter technology to operate the house such as solar energy, use of recycled materials in construction, and use of natural materials in presentation of the home - Staging, to name a few.
It's interesting the think about this from our normal Staging perspective - when we look at our inventory - how much of it would qualify as "eco-friendly"? In Staging the house, no faux plants were used - and instead either real greenery, real trees, or natural items such as bambook sticks or twisted willow were artfully arranged in vases. Instead of synthetic fibres for pillows, bedding and fabric, 100% cotton items were used. These are in ready supply at most stores - and come in a variety of colors. Faux fruit was replaced with real lemons and limes. Natural soaps used in the showers were nestled next to real plants for a fresh green appeal. Even the artwork had a "green" appeal with either natural frames or frameless canvases replacing the faux molded plastic frames often used in artwork.
It was not hard to locate these items - it just required a different mind-set in the Staging process to ensure that the "look" was achieved along with the goal of being "green."
Even the area rugs used in the project were of a natural variety - jute or bamboo. They are not as colorful as a patterned rug, but they achieve the goal of anchoring furniture in a room. The furniture was of wood and fabric, and when possible, instead of overstuffed synthetic accent chairs, those with frames of bamboo or sturdy woven wicker were used.
When the actual Staging took place, two of our talented We Stage Sacramento team members, Michelle Beste and Jenn Shvestsky, completed the job to the delight of the builder and public. The house was featured on Good Morning Sacramento local news program with the idea of not only the construction but the presentation of the house framed in with an eco-friendly focus. This is a unique combination and we expect other eco-friendly builders to follow.
To view more information on this house, you can tour our real estate show at Eco-FriendlyHomeStaging.
We Stage Sacramento: Our TEAM of We Stage Sacramento has Staged over 2,100 houses over the past 6 years. Our business model of how to build a team has been copied and used throughout the US by Stagers - which is a great testament to working together and understanding the benefits of teamwork. I have shared how we built our team with many of those on this site - and after 6 years of continuing to build, it's great to have a trustworthy team in place that also clicks with each other.
For more information on We Stage Sacramento services and team building success, go to http://www.westagesacramento.com/
- Jennie Norris, ASPM, IAHSP
