Did you know in Westchester County, half the houses were built in the mid-1960s or earlier?  Capes, colonials, farmhouses and Tudors of course. And almost as many split levels and raised ranches, with a bunch of moderns and bungalows, just to keep it interesting.

Factor in all the updates, renos, expansions (and lack of same), that’s a lot of different looks to be able to slide into as a prop stylist!! 

When I launched The Refreshed Home in 2007 I made the conscious decision not to assume the overhead of inventorying furniture. But, very early on I also saw the need to have exactly the right “whatevers” on hand. Props that’d seamlessly, naturally fill in and flatter whatever my seller had. So I built a collection and officially added prop styling to TRH’s service.

Prop styling in home staging means providing, transporting, arranging and installing items in properties. It creates more engaging listing photos, and in-person showings.   

To warm and soften the totally vacant properties, and to complete the occupied properties TRH inventories:

• Bright toss pillows in every color, and distinctive lighting. Most new with tags for those who want to purchase them from me instead of rent
• Wall art of every size and style that’s been sourced from estate sales, trade shows and yes regular retail.  I’ve even created for specific projects!
• Hardcover books I’ve bought from local library book sales
• Centerpieces, tabletop and various  tschokes unearthed at tag and craft sales; antique, and other specialty shops
• Lots of substantial and unusual greenery (no pedestrian ficus trees for this stager!!)
• Towels, and other bath accouterments
• Kitchen props include canister sets, coffee machines, pedigreed mugs, cookbooks. Also, generous platters and bright bowls for island centerpieces.

This video shows the most recent prop styling project as it was broken down and ready to be packed up. You’re looking at  20 throw pillows, 7 lamps, a large mirror, 16 bath towels. Also-an XL tree, 2 large plants, and 6 small pieces of greenery. 15 pieces of wall art, a large faux TV, and 3 footed bowls. 72 sf of bookcases needed 5 cartons of books, and 28 pieces of tabletop. A chef kitchen set up, and several footed bowls. This house is now in contract, and I’ll share the photos once it closes.

Prop styling works just as well (if not better!) in an empty, unfurnished house as it does in a furnished one. Under-performing or listless listing? Talk to me today about how prop styling can be to get it noticed, and SOLD!