Design Tips, Investment Properties
Shauna Lynn Simon
Expert Advice for Your Vacation Rental Property

If you own a vacation rental property (or are looking to invest in one), you know that designing a short-term rental cottage that stands out from the competition is key to attracting renters and earning repeat business. With the growing popularity of short-term rentals and Airbnb properties, it's important to create a space that not only looks beautiful but is also functional and comfortable for guests.

In this article, we'll provide you with expert tips and insights on how to design a short-term rental cottage that will have guests raving and coming back year after year. Whether you're starting from scratch or looking to update an existing space, this guide will provide you with the inspiration you need to create a truly exceptional vacation home.


Start with the Basics

Before you start decorating, make sure you have all the basics in place. This includes…

Expert Advice for Your Vacation Rental Property

home staging

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Beyond The Stage Homes Celebrates 15 years Serving Waterloo Region!

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Beyond The Stage Homes Celebrates 15 years Serving Waterloo Region!

A message from our CEO:

As the founder and CEO of Beyond The Stage Homes (a division of Style Corporation), I am thrilled to be celebrating our 15-year anniversary. It's hard to believe that it's been 15 years since we started this journey, and I am so grateful to everyone who has been a part of it.

Did you know that BTSH almost closed its doors after only 2 years? I won't bore you with the details, but launching a new business, especially one in an industry that most people have never heard of (2008 be like "what's home staging?"). Through sheer grit and determination, I saw the potential of this business, and the home staging industry, and inched my way to success, studying the needs of the community, and adding the services, and the people, to support these needs. We expanded our offerings to include design services, launched a sister company for home stager certification and continuing education, and I went on to establish a successful business coaching venture and co-authored a book. These achievements are certainly not mine alone though, and none of this would have been possible without the support of so many individuals that believed in our vision and fought alongside me to achieve what we have.

First and foremost, I want to thank my amazing team. We've seen some changes over the years, but we wouldn't be here if not for each and every one of you that is presently on the team, and those that have gone on to pursue other opportunities. Your dedication, hard work, and creativity have helped to make Beyond The Stage Homes the success it is today, and I am so grateful for you all.

Meet Our Star Stager: Behind the Scenes with Beyond The Stage Homes' Nicole Sartorelli

Meet Our Star Stager: Behind the Scenes with Beyond The Stage Homes' Nicole Sartorelli

At Beyond The Stage Homes, we pride ourselves on having an outstanding team of professionals and Nicole Sartorelli, one of our Professional Home Stagers, is the perfect example of the passion and experience that we bring to each of our projects. We recently sat down with her to get to know what drives her, and get insights on how she approaches each unique home staging project. Born in London, ON and raised in Ottawa, Nicole came to Waterloo Region in 1996 with her family when her mother relocated for work. She likens her experience today working with a team of strong-minded women to her Ringette days in Ottawa, hustling and skating the entire length of the Rideau Canal to the smell of “of hot chocolate and beaver tails”. 

As a professional home stager, Nicole is responsible for providing actionable advice to home sellers and agents on how to effectively prepare a property for sale. She manages and oversees every project from consultation to de-stage and is involved in every aspect of the process, including designing the strategy, preparing and packing all required staging rental items, coordinating logistics for staging day, and ensuring that clients have all of the answers that they need throughout the project.

When asked about what she enjoys most about her role, Nicole explained that the three aspects of her job that equally fill her cup are

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Master the Art of Shelf Styling

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Master the Art of Shelf Styling

Every decorating or design professional will tell you that there is one aspect or technique that they love above the rest. For me, hands down, it’s shelf styling. Whether it’s in a home for selling or dwelling, I get giddy at the thought of arranging and showcasing these creative features.

Shelf styling is a true art form that takes practice to perfect, but with these master techniques, you will be a pro in no time!

 

Mix Books and Decor

Utilize a mix of books with a variety of decorative items, staggering the books and décor to create a balanced look from shelf to shelf. Décor can even play double-duty when positioned as a bookend. Along with decorative items, baskets, plants, and small artwork are a great way to style shelves for added variety and interest.

10 Mistakes to Avoid When Selling Your Home!

10 Mistakes to Avoid When Selling Your Home!

We understand that the home-selling journey can be challenging, and home staging can be a true ally in your selling strategy. Home staging helps provide a 5% increase in the dollar value offered by buyers - when done correctly.

Our professional and certified home stagers at Beyond The Stage Homes made a list of the Top 10 mistakes commonly made when preparing a property for sale.

2022 Reflections – A new division, a growing team and a lot to celebrate!

2022 Reflections – A new division, a growing team and a lot to celebrate!

2022 started with a renewed spirit. It was indeed a year of new opportunities for Beyond The Stage Homes. Our top priority for 14 years has been to provide high-quality home staging and design solutions and a premium experience for our clients. It is this philosophy that guides our every action and decision, and this motivation brought us to the creation and development of our own in-house renovation division.

Beyond The Stage Homes Awarded Ontario’s Best Home Staging and Design Company

Beyond The Stage Homes Awarded Ontario’s Best Home Staging and Design Company

Beyond The Stage Homes is the proud recipient of the 2022 Canadian Business Award for Ontario’s Best Home Staging and Design Company! Added to a long list of accolades, this award acknowledges and honours our commitment and loyalty in the Home Staging and Design business.