This fall we’ve seen a shift in market trends. With a flood of inventory to most markets in our region, Fall 2018 is definitely a buyer’s market.  So how do you differentiate your listing? These days if your home is not professionally staged, you are already at a loss. And with good reason, as according to a recent 2018 HSR study, “85% of staged homes sold for 6-25% more than unstaged homes”.   Everyone is aware that decluttering is key but successful staging is so much more. Given the popularity of HGTV and “Love it and List it”, anyone can be a staging expert, right?  &n ..read more

Spring has finally sprung! We have so many new listings that are on the market in Short Hills and Summit and West Orange and Livingston and Stirling. I think we are definitely in a buyer’s market, so… get shopping. As I am involved with 5 flips right now, I came across this great article for house flippers that I’d like to share. We all know that staging is crucial in an empty space… but equally important is having the right team. View article > Speaking of…. after way too long, and maybe or not, facilitated by my broken foot, Staging by Lara has expanded!! So watch for Alyssa and Mo who w ..read more

I am always upfront with my stages. If it comes down to budget and you are looking for the biggest bang for your buck, paint is your best investment!! Nothing else has the same potential to elevate a room, tone down an ugly carpet or neutralize bad tile. Paint is both a forgiver of sins and a giant magic eraser. I do dozens of paint consults a month, so I may be more comfortable than the average person picking out the perfect white or gray. But I think everyone will agree that these rooms were instantly brightened with little more than a can of fresh paint! Before: After: Before: Afte ..read more

Before: After: Before: After: The post B&A… Why Vacant Staging is a Must appeared first on Staging By Lara ..read more

I love me a good bookcase display. Whether it’s symmetrical or solo, built-in or free-standing, I look at each as a perfect opportunity to tell the story of its owner. Sometimes I use found objects. Usually I have to bring in some items for color or texture. Sometimes I turn entire collections backwards. Sometimes I do a theme or arrange by color. My secrets include a little repetition, a definite balance and more than likely a little whimsy. People often fizzle out when it comes time to put the accessorizing touches in but I think they make all the difference! [See image gallery at stagingbyl ..read more

People frequently say to me “I love your style” which I always find confusing because I really don’t think I have one signature look. My rooms are approachable and lived in. They look like they have evolved over time and I think each reflects the homeowner. I read an article in House Beautiful where editor Sophie Donelson summed up my approach to decorating perfectly: “It begins with a floor plan, colors, furnishings, accessories, and decorative details. But the final touches are the living and the loving”. She goes on to talk about the well earned scratches and nicks and spills and the patina ..read more

Before: After: The post B&A… An Elegant and Beautiful Space befitting the Views appeared first on Staging By Lara ..read more

This is an oldie but a goodie. This project was a long testament to the power of patience and the need to take a huge leap of faith: So we are 99.6% done. 6 months of inconvenience and delays. Which has taught me a lot of empathy for my projects. While I have been planning this project for 5 years, even my best intended plans weren’t always right. We had to redirect, think fast, and sometimes just go with it. I was introduced to a range of materials and products and have become a near expert on kitchen layout! Come on in! These all wood 1949 cabinets were all the rage. In 1949. Who knew ..read more