<![CDATA[First Impression Home Staging & Design - Blog]]>Fri, 20 Mar 2026 11:27:56 -0400Weebly<![CDATA[Prime Day Deals for Staging]]>Tue, 09 Jul 2024 20:51:31 GMThttps://www.firstimpressionstagers.com/blog/prime-day-deals-for-stagingIf you're thinking of selling your house soon, you're in luck!  Because we've dug up some great deals on items that are helpful when staging your home.  Staging doesn't have to mean loads of new furniture and a kitchen rehab, it can be as easy as bringing in a few small purchases to breathe new life into a space.  Here are some of our favorite items that are included in the upcoming Prime Day sale to help turn buyer's heads.
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*As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases
1.
Patio Furniture Set
https://amzn.to/3xMZzDh
Don't forget to show off your outdoor space!  Especially in the Carolinas - outdoor spaces matter!
2.
Woven Basket
https://amzn.to/45YK07Y
A stylish way to corral toys or blankets, and great for faux trees!
3.
Food Storage Container Set
https://amzn.to/3zCaMal
A lot of staging is all about organization!  If your house is well organized, buyers love it.
4.
3-Light Vanity Light
https://amzn.to/3y1GPQl
Updated lighting doesn't have to cost a fortune - these are $39.99 and come in lots of finishes.
5.
White Bath Towel Set
https://amzn.to/4619Ybe
A must for any house on the market - new towels! Consider this set, or any other white set, for each bathroom.
6.
Throw Blanket
https://amzn.to/3xN2Dzf
An easy way to lighten a dark couch, and help create a cozy vibe.
7.
Faux Plants
https://amzn.to/4cwZwKJ
Every room needs some greenery - we use faux plants in every stage project!
8.
Pillows
https://amzn.to/4cx003v
Adds a layer of luxury to your beds!  Use these for sleeping or in pillow shams.
9.
Storage Bins
https://amzn.to/3S0CAeT
Elevate your closets by using storage bins to contain items.
10.
More Storage Bins
https://amzn.to/3Wes7yW
Another great option for storage - with lids!
11.
Clear Storage Bins
https://amzn.to/3XVsdfW
Great for refrigerators, pantries or under sinks.  And yes, those spaces matter!
12.
Handheld Steamer
https://amzn.to/3LfX0Nd
Help ensure your bedding, curtains, even towels look their best.  We use these regularly as a finishing touch for all staging projects.  (Can be used on clothes, too!)
13.
White Sheets
https://amzn.to/4czTclV
Neutralize your bed with white sheets.
14.
Faux Tree
https://amzn.to/3zBxG1w
If you have a bare corner in a room, it could probably use a faux tree!  
15.
Linen Blackout Curtains
https://amzn.to/3XY2BiC
If you already have curtain rods, consider updating your outdated window treatments.  It will make a huge difference in your space.
16.
Bedding
https://amzn.to/3VQgwo4
A neutral comforter will help your bedrooms look their best!
Every house has individual needs when staging, but these are a great start to helping your home look it's very best.  Because a well staged home, even an occupied home, can sell for top dollar!
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If you have questions about how to stage your specific property, we're always available for an Occupied Consultation, where we curate a staging plan specific to your home.  Reach out today to schedule!

Happy Staging!
​-Amanda
]]><![CDATA[Cyber Monday Deals for the Home]]>Sun, 26 Nov 2023 16:23:52 GMThttps://www.firstimpressionstagers.com/blog/cyber-monday-deals-for-the-homeThe turkey is gone and we're all shopping like crazy, right?  Aside from searching for the perfect Christmas gift for everyone on your list, there are plenty of other reasons to keep an eye on sales this holiday season.

If you own a short term rental, this is the perfect time of year to think about any updates needed in the space.  Take a quick inventory of your kitchen items and linens - is there anything you need to replace?  Do your towels need a refresh?  Have guests indicated they were looking for extra pillows?  How about your furniture - is everything in good shape and securely assembled?  You don't want that wobbly table to fall apart while you have guests.  Now is the time to make sure everything is in top shape!

How about your own home?  My dishes have taken a beating this year.  We actually pulled out our china to use for Thanksgiving because we didn't have enough place settings of our everyday dishes!  So I'm on the lookout for a great sale on dishes.  And, I have purchased high ticket items like vacuums during after-Thanksgiving sales.

There are so many sales happening, it's a great time of year to think of shopping beyond Christmas gifts.  What items need refreshing at your home?  Here are some Cyber Monday deals that just might be too good to pass up :)

Please note, we are an Amazon Affiliate and can earn from qualifying purchases.  
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We are firm believers that every short term rental should have an electric griddle!  They make Saturday morning pancakes super easy to cook and will set apart the cooking experience in the rental.  No better time to grab one than during Cyber Moday specials.
There are some sets of cookware utensils that looks great, but believe it or not, are not dishwasher safe.  We love this one because it still looks great, while remaining dishwasher safe.  It comes in multiple colors and will upgrade the cooking experience in your home or rental.  Love it!
We use this bed frame in our own home, in staging projects, and in short term rentals.  No box spring is necessary, is easy to move, and has one of the higher weight limits we've seen.  It's a great foundation for a more updated bed.
We used to have one of the first generation vacuum robots years ago.  We fell out of the habit of using it because it was a little temperamental.  We recently gave them another try - they have come a long way!  This is the one we use at home and it's steeply discounted for Cyber Monday.  If you're in the market for one, consider trying this one!
This type of furniture piece is pretty inexpensive, and can contain toys, shoes, pet items, blankets, extra sheets - all kinds of items!  It can be used as a coffee table, at the end of a bed, or in a mudroom.  Super functional and practical.  We love them for staging to contain items that you don't want out for showings, but need handy as you continue to live in the space.  A million uses.  And this has a nice weight limit and can easily be used as extra seating as well.
This white, light weight quilt is inexpensive, can be bleached easily to refresh it, and it can be easily layered with anything to create different looks.  Available in lots of colors if you want something other than white.  We use these at home, in staging and in short term rentals.  I especially love the stitching design on this one!  For less than $20, you can really upgrade the look of your bed.  Amazing!
An easy DIY staging tip - have new white towels in your bathrooms!  These can be your 'showing towels', where you put them out only for photos and showings so you don't have to worry about keeping them clean.  On sale for Cyber Monday, it's an inexpensive way to help your bathrooms look their best!
Looking for a way to modernize your space?  These chairs would be a great addition!  They swivel and come in lots of colors.  We love the style - very on trend!  And on sale for Cyber Monday!
This side table works well in bedrooms or living spaces and will bring a boho flair to your space.  Another trendy look, this is an in expensive way to update your space.
We hope these items spark some interest for you.  While we are still on the hunt for the perfect dish set, one search will continue!  Happy shopping!
]]><![CDATA[A Thanksgiving Table to Be Thankful For!]]>Wed, 08 Nov 2023 19:54:24 GMThttps://www.firstimpressionstagers.com/blog/a-thanksgiving-table-to-be-thankful-forAs Thanksgiving nears, lots of planning goes into what to cook and eat.  Should we have both apple and pumpkin pies?  (YES!).  But don't forget to give some thought to your Thanksgiving table - where you'll eat those lovely pies.  Make sure you have enough place settings for your crowd (placemats, chargers, plates, napkins, flatware, stemware).  Yes, it's a lot to think through.  And yes, paper plates work to make this easy if need be!.  But how about all of the other pretty things on the table?  The tablecloth or placemats, runner, centerpiece - don't forget these opportunities to create a beautiful table!  And yes, I know you could put FOOD on the table to serve.  And you still can with a some light decorations.  Or, you can utilize a sideboard or folding table nearby and really create a beautiful and memorable table.  Here are some items we've sourced from Amazon to bring it together.

Here's our vision for these items...
Place the runner down the middle of the table.  On top of that, place the greenery runner along the length of the table.  It's okay for it to serpentine a bit.  In the middle, either on top of the greenery or with the greenery alongside it, place the large hurricane glass, and the large battery candle inside it.  Along the runner, sporadically place the glass votive holders.  Place the battery votives in them after placed.  And finally, the pinecones can be placed along the runner for a natural, earthy touch.

At each place setting, set a placemat, with charger on top, and white plate on top of that.  The white pumpkin placeholder can go just above the placemat, facing each seat.  Thread napkins through the napkin holders and place on top of the white plate.  And grab a wine stem for a festive drink!

We hope that these items inspire you to get excited about the holiday, and to spend time with those you love.

​Happy Thanksgiving!
]]><![CDATA[Front Porch for Fall!]]>Wed, 13 Sep 2023 20:41:16 GMThttps://www.firstimpressionstagers.com/blog/front-porch-for-fall
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Fall is in the air!  Cooler air and beautiful colors are coming - and we are shepherding in the season with some front porch love!  Nothing says fall like shades of orange, yellow and red.  Pair that with some pumpkins and neutral colors you have the perfect combo.  Here's a run down of our perfect fall porch.
Click images for affiliate links
The highlight of every front porch - the wreath!  This wreath has the perfect fall colors and includes a friendly WELCOME to guests.​
If the wreath doesn't jump out and WELCOME your guests, then perhaps this garden flag will!  We love the mix of colors and autumn icons in this flag.
Every porch loves a porch sign - this one can easily be used throughout the year by changing the wreath (it comes with two others), or using without.  Simply lean it and it's done!
Adorn your front door or mantel with this garland to bring in even more seasonal appeal!  One strand is about 6 ft, so more than one might be needed depending on your application.​
Sometimes too much orange is just.... too much.  We love white pumpkins to break it up.  This set of three is stacked and ready to display.  Can use in a planter instead of florals or sitting at a corner of the porch sign for a layered effect.
Another touch of fall color with this arrangement.  Faux florals are great to add to existing planters - just trim down out of season stems at the base, poke these in the dirt and fluff them!  Larger pots will need more than one order of these (6 stems per order).
Neutrals are always good - and this one can be used beyond the fall season.  A doormat is always nice to have, both practically and aesthetically.
This wooden lantern is another year round option.  Available in multiple sizes, this items is suitable for indoor and outdoor use.  Place it beside a planter or any front porch seating you have.  Instantly adds coziness to your fall space.
What a special, cozy space you can create with these items!  Let us know what you love about your fall porch :)
]]><![CDATA[College Dorm Series: Tarheel Edition!]]>Thu, 03 Aug 2023 15:24:48 GMThttps://www.firstimpressionstagers.com/blog/college-dorm-series-tarheel-editionWe know for some back to school can also mean back to college-and-living-and-the-dorm.  So, we like to highlight ways to make dorm rooms feel like home.  Today's version of dorm living is inspired by Chapel Hill!  We've had a few visits there this year for our high schooler as she searches for college options.  I'm not sure where she'll end up, but I'm thinking Chapel Hill is pretty great!  So if you've got a Tar Heel young lady in your life with some school spirit, I hope she enjoys this design.  

Shopping affiliate links are below as well!
]]><![CDATA[Make the Most of August]]>Tue, 01 Aug 2023 18:47:07 GMThttps://www.firstimpressionstagers.com/blog/make-the-most-of-augustAugust may be one of our favorite months - there’s something about school supplies and getting back on schedule that is rejuvenating and awakening (not to mention it’s my birthday month!)!  It’s kind of like a mid-year regroup for all those resolutions made in January.  I find myself gearing up to use my planner more, make time for workouts, and get through all the to-do lists this month.  How about you?  How does your August look?

In real estate, this is the last push to sell or purchase real estate before school starts, which is a big deal for families.  Is it too late?  Nope!  Just takes a little time get a house ready to list, and then things often take off.

Thinking of giving a late summer run at selling a house?  Only have a couple days to get it listing-ready?  There are top priority items to focus on to make the most impact.
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How to stage your home quick to get it ready to list
While they will be a very busy three days, attending to these tasks will be rewarding and buyers will appreciate the efforts!  If possible, grab some friends or family for some extra hands to speed up the process and share the workload.  If you need more guidance, remember we are always here to provide our Occupied Consultation which includes a Staging Report, outlining all of our personalized recommendations for the property.  Happy Staging!
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Click HERE for our downloadable guide for '3 Staging Tips'
]]><![CDATA[Fall Decor Favorites from Amazon]]>Tue, 11 Oct 2022 17:01:36 GMThttps://www.firstimpressionstagers.com/blog/fall-decor-favorites-from-amazon {const e=document.createElement('script'); e.src=`https://designfiles.co/assets/embed-board.js?r=${Date.now()}`; document.body.appendChild(e);})()There you have it!  Some of our fall favorites!  Hint hint... some of these work perfectly year round, too!  They just happen to work really well with our natural rustic fall theme, too :)Enjoy shopping!  Mo [...] ]]>We are excited to explore Amazon deals today!  Here are some ideas to help kick off fall decorating for your home.
There you have it!  Some of our fall favorites!  Hint hint... some of these work perfectly year round, too!  They just happen to work really well with our natural rustic fall theme, too :)

Enjoy shopping!  More ideas to come for other occasions and design styles.

​-Amanda
]]><![CDATA[Amazing Deals At Amazon!]]>Tue, 12 Jul 2022 14:57:45 GMThttps://www.firstimpressionstagers.com/blog/amazing-deals-at-amazonAll online shoppers, rejoice!  It's Amazon Prime Days!  If you're looking to refresh your space, here are some of our top picks available at a reduced price for Prime Days.  Happy shopping!
*affiliate links below
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]]><![CDATA[All About Occupied Staging...]]>Tue, 24 May 2022 13:55:04 GMThttps://www.firstimpressionstagers.com/blog/all-about-occupied-stagingWe are talking about Occupied Staging today!  This form of staging is especially challenging.  Guiding homeowners to alter components of the home they've created requires sensitivity and quick thinking.  But it's incredibly rewarding to observe the transformation and see first hand how staging works.

So how does Occupied Staging work?  At First Impression Home Staging & Design, we have different packages to choose from that work for different needs.  Let's walk through them...
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Occupied Staging Consultation for $350
Just like our Walk + Talk, but includes a comprehensive written report that outlines all of our staging suggestions, and how to implement them.  This consultation option is perfect for:
- those that are planning ahead and have a little more time to get the home ready - our report will be a great reference to go back to
- homeowners that are comfortable digging in to get things done on their own
 
Hands On Occupied Staging for $350
We're digging in!  Instead of talking about what could and should be done, we just do it!  This is great option for:
- homeowners looking to get the home ready and listed asap!
- those that are overwhelmed about all this - let us come and do it for you.
Includes 3.5 hours of staging time.

Touch Up Services for $105
Listing photos are the First Impression buyers will have of your home.  A touch up service will put the finishing touch on the home to make sure your photos look their best!
- Great for ALL listings!
Here are some photos from some favorite Occupied Staging moments where we used the homeowner's major furniture items!
Want to learn more about our Occupied Staging Consultation Packages?  Reach out today at 630-308-6364.

-Amanda
]]><![CDATA[January Inspires Us To Be Organized]]>Mon, 03 Jan 2022 05:00:00 GMThttps://www.firstimpressionstagers.com/blog/january-inspires-us-to-be-organizedSomething about January brings a yearning for order and organization.  Maybe it's the chaos of December - the busy calendar, stashing of gifts, and extra STUFF around the house.  I love Christmas, so I'm not complaining - it's all part of the holiday!  But, it's a lot to juggle and by the end of month we're ready for the crazy to end.  New calendars signal a fresh start that comes with a new month and year.  Bring it on!

As I think through our home's function and putting things back to 'normal' after removing all the Christmas decor, I really give thought to how I want to use each space.  For instance, our Christmas tree sits in front of some new cabinetry we have in our family room.  I didn't realize it until the Christmas tree was there that some of the cabinets were not accessible with the tree in place.  So while the tree is down, I might move some contents around for easier accessibility for things I may need.

Also give thought to storing the new things acquired during the holidays - serving ware, gifts, decor.  Maybe dig into a pantry or closet to make room for new kitchen gadgets or serving dishes.  Did your kids get more legos?  It may be time to finally figure out a storage plan for them (because the floor is a bad storage container - and painful!).  While you are at it, it's a great time to purge items you no longer use or need.  Less stuff is cleansing :)

Here are some of our favorite storage solutions for around the house.  We hope you'll find just the right solution for your home.
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*Amazon affiliate links in photos below
Happy organizing!  If we can help problem solve any areas that you want to organize in a decorative manner 😅, let us know!

​-Amanda
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